Monday Mindset
Practical Supports for Growth
Happy Monday, friend!
It’s a new week, and that means a fresh focus around our monthly theme dropped into your inbox. This week, we’re continuing to explore the topic of growth. We dove into the challenges last week, and this week we’re exploring:
Practical Supports
Take a breath, and settle in for a few mindful minutes with me.
“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.”
—Steve Maraboli
As a little preface/reminder: Not all growth needs our attention or effort. Some will happen naturally as we move through this life, and there are parts worth keeping wild.
“As long as we’re living, we’re changing. A little each day, whether we’re trying to or not. Not everything has to have a plan. Not everything has to be managed. Not every possibility needs to be pursued. There are some things worth our energy, though. We can partner intention with effort in the areas we want to see growth.”
Today’s post focuses on the areas we want to put concerted effort into strengthening.
No matter what we’re trying to grow—habits, relationships, skills—challenges will arise. Progress isn’t always steady. We’ll hit plateaus, but that doesn’t mean we’re failing.
There are practical supports we can put into place that will help us on the journey.
Whether we’re feeling alone in it, stuck, or have simply lost our perspective, following are some ways we can find or create support.
Remember the Goal
What was it that caused you to start down this path?
What did you want to change?
How do you want to feel?
Has the bigger goal shifted?
When you’re struggling to see big changes, you can look for the small shifts that happen over time.
Are you able to understand a little more readily what you couldn’t before?
Are you further down the path than when you started?
Keep a Record
Create check-ins for progress
Depending on what it is, you can keep different kinds of records:
Written (through a journal or log)
Visual (pictures or videos)
A Portfolio (building a repertoire)
This will help to see the small shifts that lead to bigger growth over time
Celebrate Wins
Small victories matter
When you celebrate your wins, you make them monumental
Reward systems work as adults, too :-)
Had a hard conversation that past you would have avoided? Celebrate!
Did you take some time instead of impulse buying that thing you would have mindlessly snatched up before? Celebrate
Celebrate all the little things
Tap into Community
Talk to someone who is on the same path, someone who’s been through it before, or someone who is willing to listen
There are study groups, support groups, and communities centered around the thing you’re wanting to grow in – why not lean on that support?
When you’re struggling, knowing you’re not alone in it can be the perspective shift and relief you need
Connection creates a support system that sustains real growth
Growth takes time, but we grow strongest when we’re connected to others. Through mutual support—both the giving and receiving of it—we uplift one another, meet each other's needs, and remind ourselves that we’re not alone.
While growth in isolation is possible, it has limits. We may survive, but we won’t truly thrive on our own.
Whatever it is that we’re looking to grow in, there are resources and communities available to help us do it.
This very community is here to be an anchor, a resource, and a connection point.
We’re here to grow in curiosity, compassion, and trust. As we become more aware and present to what is already in us, we can bring deeper connection to our relationships – both in ourselves and with others.
What kinds of supports do you already have in place?
Where is there a need that requires more practical support?
Consider what you’re actively trying to grow in. Which of the supports mentioned today can you put into practice to help strengthen that practice?
Take action and incorporate it this week.
See you here soon — in the meantime, drop a comment or send a note with any thoughts or questions!
~Sara
Love that quote by Steve Maraboli, it’s a great reminder. Your posts always come at the right time for me. Thanks Sara