Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. T.S. Eliot.

We all need to grow. The evolutionary process of personal growth is part of humankind’s DNA. We are hard-wired to be curious, always hungry for more.

But it isn’t our aspirations or goals that count. It’s the action of striving to reach them that lies at the heart of the process of growing.

That’s where the excitement lies… it’s what makes you want to get out of bed every morning. That’s because the action of striving is a creative, albeit challenging activity.

It’s all about agency. When you are growing, you’re full of energy. One effort flows effortlessly, seamlessly into another. The ensuing sense of accomplishment propels you ever farther ahead, from one achievement to the next. Nothing seems out of reach.

On the other hand, if you stop growing, inevitably your life begins to diminish. When you stop growing, you become stale and dull. Your sense of agency stalls. Worst of all, your courage gets thinner. You start to doubt your own abilities and personal worth, sometimes without even being aware of it. Joy soon gives way to enervating doubt and your horizons start to narrow.

It’s not a happy time. I know because I’ve been there. Have you?

Have you stopped growing?

Ask yourself these five questions:

1. Am I being honest with myself about the direction of my life?
2. Am I proud of myself?
3. What value am I bringing – to my relationships, my work, and any other areas where I need to show up and contribute?
4. Am I living up to my full potential or resting on my laurels?
5. Is what I’m doing right now moving me a way from or towards my highest aspirations?

These are tough questions. It takes a brave heart not just to address them but to refuse to stop searching for the solution(s). It’s not an uncommon experience, especially challenging in today’s crazy, super-stressing, demanding times. Keeping your spirits up and keeping your wits about you is challenging at the best of times.

Good news, though. The fact that you are still reading this suggests that you, too, may well be in the midst of what I call a growth spurt, looking for some fresh ideas and insight and new ways of understanding our ever-changing world and the best way forward on your own path.

But here’s the thing. The process of growing always involves change…. and it isn’t easy, but it’s doable. It takes time, considerable thought, introspection and ultimately finding the courage to do what you know is right for you at this stage. More about all this next week.

NOTICE: Talking about how to deal with and manage change; With this entry I am altering the format of my posts… choosing to divide each entry into shorter, bite-sized segments.

In keeping with our Instagram era, the style will reflect the shorter, bite-size style of my insightful new book, Dare to Be You. Five bold steps to power up your life. The book is on the press as we speak.

Watch this space for news about the location and date of my up-coming book launch – and how you can own your personalized by the author copy.

So…. the adventure continues.

Thanks for reading me all these years. I look forward to seeing you again next week.

Start with a ‘Yes’ and see where that takes you. Tina Fey. SNL.

In these seemingly ever more challenging times, there is no shortage of bad news and negative thinking, in every sphere and endeavour of society and activity.

But you can elect, if you choose, to turn your back on it all and instead of saying ‘No’, say ‘Yes’.

Yes. It’s OK to put your work out into the world.

Yes. You are capable of doing good work and making a difference.

Yes. What you are doing  is important.

Yes. You can ignore the doubting Thomases.

Yes. You can do even better.

This kind of thinking isn’t for everybody, I know, but you’re not everybody. There will always be a surplus of people eager to criticize, turn a blind eye and close off their hearts. That’s where you step in.

The ‘Yes’ crowd has always been in the minority but today there has never been a greater need for people to step up to the plate and say YES!

No matter the environment around you, it is possible to maintain your own brand of integrity. 

Obstacles are things a person sees when she or he takes their eyes off the focus off their objective.

Victory is just over the horizon.

Getting there takes energy, courage, unfailing enthusiasm and STICKTOITNESS.

Oh, did I mention hard work?

There are no secrets…..

Throw your dreams into space like a kite and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new love, a new country. Anais Nin.

Life expands and you continue to grow when you choose to find the empowering meaning in your every experience or encounter.

It’s always about your attitude. To allow the magic in life to happen, staying curious and staying open is a must.

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. Albert Einstein.

Whatever you’re working at, as you put January behind you, wherever you are on your journey, once in awhile it’s good to remind yourself that ultimately your success rests solely with you.

The items on this list aren’t new or original but they’ll play a big role in your success:

1. Never stop thinking and learning..
2. Never lose your courage nor your faith in yourself.
3. Always make time for those you love and who love and nurture you.
4. Be thankful for all you have.
5. Be honest and be real.
6. Do the right things rather than doing things right.
7. Choose to be positive. Ignore the naysayers and the doubters.
8. Keep fit mentally, physically and spiritually.
9. Keep the daily events in perspective.
10. Strive to be the best version of yourself that you can be.

The only edge you have that really separates you from your competition is you.