The Hidden Path to Personal Growth
- Toni(a) Gogu
- Oct 13, 2024
- 4 min read
Change. It’s one of the constants in life that, at times, we wish we could avoid. But what if I told you that change is not the end of the world? In fact, it’s often the gateway to something greater—the moment we step outside our comfort zone and begin to truly grow.
I’ve experienced this first-hand, whether it was through unexpected life shifts, changes at work, or even small disruptions to my daily routine. What I’ve learned is that it’s not the change itself that defines us, but how we respond to it. Our ability to adapt and thrive, hinges on how we frame change in our minds. When it feels like everything is shaking beneath our feet, that's often when we grow the most.
Psychological research has consistently shown that change pushes us to tap into our resilience and flexibility—two traits closely tied to personal success. Carol Dweck’s research on the Growth Mindset is a great starting point. Dweck argues that those who see challenges and changes as opportunities for growth are more likely to develop resilience and achieve long-term success (Dweck, 2006). A growth mindset helps us to look at obstacles not as barriers but as stepping stones. When we approach change with curiosity instead of fear, we give ourselves permission to learn, and grow.
Similarly, neuroscientist Dr. Ian Robertson’s work on stress and brain function reveals that moderate amounts of stress, such as the kind brought on by change, actually enhance our brain’s cognitive flexibility (Robertson, 2017). When we feel discomfort in the face of new experiences, it’s a signal that our brains are forming new connections and growing stronger.
Our capacity to remain open and flexible during transitions is often the difference between stagnation and growth. In today’s fast-paced world, flexibility is a critical skill. According to a study published in the Harvard Business Review (2019), professionals who demonstrate adaptability in their roles are more likely to achieve higher levels of career success and satisfaction. In this sense, adaptability isn’t just a "nice to have" quality—it’s an essential one.
This doesn't mean change will always be easy. It can be deeply uncomfortable. But that's exactly when the magic happens. The moments when it feels like you’ve reached your limit are often the very moments that stretch you into something new. Growth is uncomfortable, because it requires us to leave behind the familiar, even if that means confronting our fears head-on.
While the theory behind change sounds clear, many struggle with how to embrace it in a practical way. Here are some concrete and easy steps to help navigate change:
Start with Small Changes
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by big, life-altering changes. So start with the small ones—adjust a habit, learn something new, or introduce a minor shift to your routine. Starting small, helps build momentum and trains your brain to accept change without being overwhelmed. Research shows that tackling manageable changes reduces stress and helps develop a stronger tolerance for larger transitions (Adams, 2010).
Focus on What You Can Control
When change hits, there are always factors beyond our control. Instead of dwelling on the uncertainty, zero in on what you can manage. This can be as simple as reorganising your day or developing new skills to deal with the change. The Locus of Control Theory (Rotter, 1966) suggests that people who focus on what they can control feel more empowered and less stressed during transitions, giving them a sense of agency.
Reframe Your Perspective
One of the most effective ways to navigate change is to shift how you think about it. Instead of seeing change as something to fear, view it as an opportunity for growth. Remind yourself that discomfort is temporary and that growth is happening in the process. By reframing the narrative, you can help reduce the anxiety around change and embrace the potential it brings. This approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which emphasises the importance of reframing thoughts to influence emotions and behaviours (Beck, 1976).
Create a Plan but Stay Flexible
Having a plan can help you feel more secure in uncertain times. Set realistic goals, make a list of steps to tackle the change, and follow through. However, also be ready to adapt if circumstances evolve. Flexibility is key when things don’t go as expected. The logic here is simple: Plans help ground us, while flexibility ensures we don’t fall apart when reality shifts. The combination of structure and adaptability creates balance and reduces stress.
One of the key things to remember is that you don’t need to handle change perfectly. It’s okay to stumble through it. What matters most is your openness to new experiences and your willingness to grow through them.
It might sound cliché, but change really is the way we grow. It’s not something to fear, but something to embrace. So, the next time you’re faced with a challenge or a change that seems too big, remember this: If it feels uncomfortable, it’s because you’re growing. And growth, in all its messy, painful beauty, is what leads us to success.
‘Till next time…
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If you’d like to explore the readings further:
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
Robertson, I. (2017). The Stress Test: How Pressure Can Make You Stronger and Sharper. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Harvard Business Review (2019). Adaptability: The Key to Career Success.
Adams, J. (2010). Small Changes, Big Results: A Handbook on How to Implement Change in Everyday Life. Harvard Business Press.
Rotter, J. B. (1966). Generalized Expectancies for Internal versus External Control of Reinforcement. Psychological Monographs: General and Applied, 80 (1), 1–28.
Beck, A. T. (1976). Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders. International Universities Press.
Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). Stress, Social Support, and the Buffering Hypothesis. Psychological Bulletin, 98 (2), 310–357.
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