Self-growth can take many forms, such as learning to control your emotions, developing a growth mindset, learning resilience, connecting with your body, accepting what you cannot change, knowing yourself, beating procrastination, and improving emotional intelligence. For example, clinicians working with trauma survivors reported self-growth that involved a change in their personalities, such as greater sensitivity, compassion, insight, tolerance, and empathy, and deepened their appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit (Arnold et al., 2005).

One of the key factors in self-growth is developing a growth mindset. A growth mindset is the belief that your intelligence and talents can be developed over time, while a fixed mindset is the belief that your intelligence and skills are fixed, and if you’re not good at something, you’ll never be good at it (Dweck, 2008). Research has shown that those with a growth mindset achieve more than those with a fixed mindset in school, jobs, and personal life (Dweck, 2008). Having a growth mindset goes hand in hand with self-growth, as it broadens the possibilities and inspires you to work on yourself.

Another important aspect of self-growth is self-awareness. Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and motivations. It is the foundation of emotional intelligence and enables individuals to understand how their actions and emotions affect those around them (Salovey & Mayer, 1990). By increasing self-awareness, individuals are able to understand their own behavior and reactions, which can lead to greater self-control and a better understanding of others.

One of the most effective ways to increase self-awareness is through meditation. Meditation has numerous benefits for mental and physical health, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving focus and concentration, and increasing self-awareness (Khoury et al., 2013). Additionally, mindfulness practices such as yoga and tai chi have also been found to increase self-awareness and improve overall well-being (Khoury et al., 2013).

Another powerful tool for self-growth is journaling. Writing in a journal not only has cathartic effects on mental health—it can ease stress and anxiety—but also has important benefits for self-growth. It allows individuals to reflect on their thoughts and emotions, which can lead to greater self-awareness and insight. Journaling can also help individuals identify patterns in their behavior and reactions and can provide a sense of accomplishment as they track their progress over time (Pennebaker, 1997).

In addition to these self-help practices, seeking guidance from a professional or therapist can also accelerate the journey of self-growth. At Holistic Core Wellness, for instance, we use an integrative 360 approach to help our clients cultivate awareness, live mindfully, and actively listen to them to design a custom program that suits their bio-individually. As Behavior Modifying Specialists, we incorporate healthy mind, body, and soul practices to help our clients heal their core.

In conclusion, self-growth is a process of developing new skills, attitudes, actions, or reactions that can have a positive impact on your life and increase your overall well-being. It can take many forms and is important for reaching your full potential, self-actualization, and developing a growth mindset. Start your journey of self-growth by practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation and journaling and seek guidance from professionals if necessary. Remember, after every storm, there is CALM (Cultivate Awareness Live Mindfully) and you have the power to determine how soon you want to be pain-free. You have the ability to own your happiness