I have a confession to make: I am a junkie. To be clear, my drug of choice is not a drug at all — it happens to be personal growth. I started more than 20 years ago, and once I opened that Pandora's box, I haven’t been able to stop. And the funny thing? I am learning more about myself now at the age of 57 than I ever have. 

 

The thing about the growth journey is that there is no finish line. You will never hear anyone say “That’s it! My work here is complete. I know everything I need to know about myself and life in general.” (And if you do? Run for the hills!)

 

It doesn’t work like that. Just as you start peeling back the layers, you discover new things about yourself. And it makes sense, right? We are living, breathing, evolving beings. Life is not static, and neither are we. As our life circumstances change, we adapt. Or not. 

 

So, what’s so great about personal growth? For me, it is key to creating a life you love. Simply look at Maslow’s hierarchy of needs for a clue.

 

Yes, we must meet the basics for our physiological (shelter, food, water) and safety (personal security, resources, health) needs. But what happens beyond that? It isn’t until you start to ascend the higher tiers of the pyramid that you get a glimpse of what it truly means to live.

 

Achieving your full potential through self-actualization — and discovering true meaning in your life — is where the magic happens. The highest tier is where purpose and passion and joy live. It’s where you start living your life instead of your life living you.

 

But how do you do that? Where do you start? 

 

It all starts with one person: you. 

 

If that makes your palms start to sweat a little bit, read on. That means we’re on the right track!

 

Maybe at this point you are asking yourself, “If this is so great, why isn’t everyone happily living their best life?” The answer is because initiating this type of growth isn’t easy. Oftentimes, as it did for me, it comes from a major life transition or existential crisis. And let’s face it — those by their very nature aren’t a day at the beach.

 

This journey takes courage in the face of the fear and resistance that will inevitably arise. That’s the only way you are going to get out of your comfort zone (the lower portion of Maslow’s hierarchy where basic needs are met‚ to start your ascent to something greater.

 

Fear and resistance are persistent and the masters of disguise. They may manifest as that little voice that says, “Aren’t you being selfish taking this time for you?” Or the doubt you feel after your friend rolled her eyes when you told her about signing up for that painting class. 

 

Don’t let fear stop you. While it may keep you safe when you’re in an unfamiliar city, for example, when it comes to personal growth, safe equals stuck.