The Power of Choosing Growth Over Stagnation
Life is defined by change. If you are not changing, you’re not truly living, and if you’re not living, you’re effectively dying.
This bold statement may sound extreme, but consider its truth.
In nature, a tree that isn’t growing is withering; stagnant water becomes toxic while flowing water stays fresh and alive.
The same applies to our careers, businesses, and personal lives.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional considering a career pivot, an entrepreneur facing market shifts, or an individual at a personal crossroads, one principle remains constant: growth is the only sustainable way forward.
If You’re Not Changing, You’re Not Living (You’re Dying)
Change is the essence of life. Biologically, our cells renew, and intellectually, our minds evolve with new information.
When we resist change or cling to the status quo, we stagnate.
Famed psychologist Carol Dweck’s research on mindsets highlights this starkly:
Those with a fixed mindset believe their abilities are static, avoid challenges, and plateau. In contrast, a growth mindset sees challenges as opportunities to improve and adapt.[1].
As Dweck explains, “Everyone can change and grow through application and experience.”
This belief is key to thriving. If we’re not learning, adapting, or expanding in some way, we’re not truly alive in the fullest sense.[1].
The power of small, consistent growth cannot be overstated.
Productivity expert James Clear illustrates this beautifully: improving by just 1% each day for a year results in being 37 times better by the year’s end. [2]
Conversely, getting 1% worse each day leads to near-zero progress. Small actions compound over time into massive results.
This principle applies universally.
Think of businesses like Kodak, which failed to evolve with digital imaging, or Netflix, which thrived by constantly redefining itself.
The same is true for individuals: those who resist change risk being left behind, while those who embrace growth create new opportunities.
As Tony Robbins famously said, “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.”
To live is to change, and to continue living fully is to keep changing for the better.
Change Will Happen To You or For You
One key truth about change is this: if you don’t initiate it, you’ll eventually become a victim of it. Life doesn’t stay static to accommodate our reluctance.
External events like technological shifts, economic changes, or personal crises often force change upon us.
Leadership expert John Kotter observed that over 70% of necessary organizational changes fail because leaders wait too long or resist acting with urgency.[4]
The same is true in our personal lives:
When we avoid change, we often face more difficult circumstances later, such as burnout, layoffs, or health crises.
Rather than letting change steamroll you, it’s far more empowering to get in front of it.
This means adopting a proactive “victor” mindset instead of a reactive “victim” mindset.
A victim mindset says, “Life is happening to me; I have no control.”
A victor mindset asks, “What can I do to make this change work for me?”
For example, if your company is restructuring, you could wait fearfully to see what happens, or you could update your resume, network, and prepare yourself for new opportunities.
The circumstances might be the same, but the mindset makes all the difference.
Psychologist M. Scott Peck famously wrote about the tendency to avoid facing problems and warned that when we do so, we give up control.
He observed that “the tendency to avoid problems and the emotional suffering inherent in them is the primary basis of all human mental illness” [5]
Facing challenges head-on allows you to solve problems on your own terms, rather than waiting for reality to impose its will.
You can either ride the wave of change or let it wipe you out. The choice is yours.
Adopting a Growth Mindset and Empowered Outlook
How we perceive challenges makes all the difference.
Two people can face the same obstacle, say a financial setback, and one will emerge stronger while the other feels defeated.
The difference often lies in mindset.
Carol Dweck’s research shows that a growth mindset sees failure as a springboard for learning, not a verdict on one’s worth.
Similarly, Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability emphasizes the importance of “owning your story” rather than being trapped by shame or self-doubt.
The key is not to internalize failure as your identity. Brown encourages “owning our stories” including the messy, painful parts, rather than hiding from them.[8]
For example, instead of saying, “I’m bad with money,” you could say, “I made different financial choices back then, but I’m learning and improving my habits.”
This shift in perspective opens the door for growth.
Pay attention to your self-talk.
Do you hear absolutes like “I’ll never get this right” or “I always mess up”?
Reframe these thoughts:
“I just know I will find the most perfect, most aligned path for me!” or, “I’m so resilient, I always find a way!”
An empowered mindset focuses on what you can control and sees every challenge as an opportunity to grow.
Building Habits of Continuous Growth
Motivation and mindset are the foundation, but habits are the engine of lasting change.
James Clear emphasizes the importance of identity-based habits:
Every small action is a vote for the type of person you want to become.[2]
- Want to be a lifelong learner? Read or learn something new daily, even if it’s just a short article.
- Want to be healthy? Take small actions like choosing water over soda or walking instead of taking the elevator.
These small choices compound over time, reinforcing your identity and creating a positive feedback loop of growth.
Regular reflection is another powerful tool.
Journaling weekly or monthly about what you’ve learned, your wins, and areas for improvement helps you course-correct and stay aligned with your goals.
Surround yourself with a growth-oriented community. Engage with mentors, coaches, or friends who encourage your development. Their support and accountability can keep you moving forward.
Finally, celebrate small wins.
Each time you push your comfort zone, whether it’s speaking up in a meeting or completing a course, acknowledge it. These celebrations create positive reinforcement and make growth rewarding.
Growth is a zigzag journey of progress, setbacks, and perseverance. What matters most is consistency, not perfection.
Conclusion:
Every day, we stand at a crossroads:
One path leads to stagnation, the other to growth. Choosing growth isn’t a one-time decision but a lifelong commitment to living fully and intentionally.
Imagine yourself a year from now.
Do you want to see the comfort of never trying, or the fulfillment of becoming your best self?
When you choose growth, you choose a life rich with experience, learning, and self-actualization.
Your life is your story. Pick up the pen and write the next chapter with purpose.
Ask yourself: Am I choosing growth right now?
If you’re ready to take charge and move forward, don’t wait.
Sign up for the Change Catalyst Clarity Call to explore your goals, challenges, and next steps. This no-obligation session can help you gain focus and turn your vision into action.
Not quite ready for the call? No worries!
Tune in to my podcast, Lucy’s Lens, where I dive into inspiring conversations about life, business, transformation, spirituality, and everything in between.
Oftentimes, the difference between staying stuck and making a breakthrough is just a single conversation or insight. Let that call be the start of your next chapter.
References (APA style)
- The Marginalian. (2014, January 29). Fixed vs. growth: The two basic mindsets that shape our lives. https://www.themarginalian.org/2014/01/29/carol-dweck-mindset/
- Clear, J. (n.d.). Atomic habits summary. https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits-summary
- Robbins, T. (n.d.). The 20 best motivational quotes. https://www.tonyrobbins.com/tony-robbins-quotes/inspirational-quotes?srsltid=AfmBOop97TPWuJHX7AWBDDN6cQKNiwU3rxseNdIz1vthk9YU4AcwWBT-
- Kotter, J. (n.d.). It’s time to abolish the 70% change failure rate statistic. Enclaria: Influence Change at Work.
https://www.enclaria.com/2014/06/03/its-time-to-abolish-the-70-change-failure-rate-statistic/ - Goodreads. (n.d.). Quote by M. Scott Peck: “The tendency to avoid problems and the emotional suffering inherent…” https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/7400994-the-tendency-to-avoid-problems-and-the-emotional-suffering-inherent
- Bird, D. (2022, July 22). From EQ to AQ: Why adaptability is the next key skill for leaders to develop. The EQ Development Group. https://eqdevgroup.com/blog/2022/07/22/from-eq-to-aq/
- Kelley, S. (2018, May 24). Woulda, coulda, shoulda: The haunting regret of failing our ideal selves. Cornell Chronicle. https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2018/05/woulda-coulda-shoulda-haunting-regret-failing-our-ideal-selves
- Hope+Wellness. (2025, January 14). 19 powerful Brené Brown quotes on embracing vulnerability, love, and belonging. https://www.hope-wellness.com/blog/19-inspiring-brene-brown-quotes-on-embracing-vulnerability-love-and-belonging
- Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. New York, NY: Random House.
- Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. New York, NY: Bantam Books.
- Robbins, A. (1991). Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical & Financial Destiny. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.
