Foundations
GROWTH & SERVICE
Ongoing growth is a requirement for us to achieve our full potential and thrive. Having a service mindset keeps us humble, fulfilled and in the long term contributes to a key role in our happiness.
Ongoing growth particularly in the realm of personal growth refers to the continuous process of improving oneself in various aspects of life and developing new skills. It is a lifelong process of self-discovery, learning, and development that never ends and can occur through formal education, self-study, therapy, or life experiences. It can involve personal reflection, journaling, and self-improvement practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and affirmations.
The idea behind ongoing growth is to keep expanding one’s knowledge and abilities to continue to grow in different spheres of one’s life. Eg. Physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and so forth. One way to achieve ongoing growth is to set realistic and challenging goals for oneself and consistently work towards achieving them. It can also involve taking risks, learning from failure, and seeking out new experiences and perspectives. Another great way is to surround yourself with those who regularly practice self-reflection and have a great sense of awareness.
Ongoing growth can lead to greater fulfillment and success in various aspects of life and a key component of that in my opinion is developing self-awareness.
“There are no great limits to growth because there are no limits of human intelligence, imagination and wonder.” – Ronald Reagan
Self-awareness is a lifelong journey, there are certain steps we can take to gain a better understanding of ourselves. These include recognising our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Then further examining our strengths, weaknesses, our values, belief systems, our dreams, and desires. Then perform introspection and analyse them to understand why we act in certain ways and become aware of our patterns and triggers.
Self-awareness in my opinion is an important part of ongoing growth and emotional intelligence. It can help us to become more confident, compassionate, and accepting of ourselves and aware of others.
Another pillar of ongoing growth is to clearly define goals for yourself and go about achieving them. Break down large goals into smaller, manageable pieces and create a plan (steps to reach your goals). Ideally, include deadlines and milestones to help you stay on track. SMART goals are very helpful. While it’s important to track your progress, be flexible with your plan, stay motivated and be persistent. Make sure to celebrate your successes along the way and when you achieve your goals. Also, don’t be afraid to seek for help when needed.
“The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.” – Lao Tzu
Now a key pillar of living a full-fledged life is having a service mindset (“Seva” known in Hinduisim and Sikhism). It keeps us humble and fulfilled. A service mindset is an attitude or approach to life that prioritises serving the needs of others and recognising that our own happiness and well-being are closely connected to the well-being of those around us. In today’s fast-paced and highly individualistic society, it is easy to become focused on our own needs and wants. However, having a service mindset reminds us that we are all connected and that our actions can have a profound impact on the lives of others. This could be through voluntary work, community initiatives, or simply being kind and generous to those in need. It’s about putting others first.
When we have a service mindset, we are more likely to be compassionate, empathetic, and generous. We are more likely to volunteer our time, skills, and resources to help others. We are also more likely to be fulfilled and satisfied with our own lives. As mentioned, an example of a service mindset is volunteering which is a great way to show your commitment to serving others, whether it is helping out at a local animal shelter, serving meals at a soup kitchen, or helping to clean up a park. It not only provides an opportunity for volunteers to practice empathy but to develop an understanding of the struggles faced by those in their community.
Another example of a service mindset is developing the habit of giving back. This could mean donating time, money, or resources to a cause that really appeals to you. You could also help the needs of those around you. Eg. Taking an elderly neighbour to the store or offering to babysit for a family in need, these small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.
So how does on go about developing a service mindset? Obviously, it’s not something that happens overnight. It requires a commitment to self-reflection, learning and regular practice. Here are some ways to cultivate a service mindset in your personal life:
– Practice mindfulness and gratitude by being present in the moment and appreciating the things you have, and the people in your life you are grateful for.
– Volunteer by give your time, skills and resources to help others.
– Help a friend or family member in need.
– Show kindness not only to those you know but also to strangers. Random acts of kindness go a long way.
By having a service mindset, it is only helpful to whose lives we touch, but also beneficial to ourselves. Making it a commitment to serve others, we can have a positive impact in the world, find greater fulfillment and satisfaction in our own lives.