In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily life, often neglecting the most crucial aspect of our existence—personal growth. We must pause and reflect on our journey as we navigate the challenges and triumphs. Today, we draw inspiration from a wrestler turned Hollywood megastar and Stephen R. Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People."
I remember when I was a kid, we would sit around the television and watch pro wrestling. The larger-than-life character and power moves with easy-to-remember catchphrases made it a staple in my household. One person who stood out was "the people's champ," The Rock. And despite having massive success in the wrestling world, he faced setbacks and challenges that prompted a deep introspection. But all those setbacks and challenges prepared him for when he would leave the squared circle's familiarity with the bright lights of Hollywood in mind.
Known to millions as "The Rock," Dwayne Johnson left behind “the people's elbow” with catchy catchphrases. He ventured into the unknown world of Holywood. Despite the transition being bumpy, Johnson's commitment to personal growth has been nothing short of extraordinary behind the scenes. If you need proof, you only need to see him on Instagram, where one post shows him working out in the "iron paradise." Just hours later, he's on a movie set, and then he's with his family or back in the squared circle, laying the smackdown.
Dwayne Johnson once shared, "The single most powerful thing I can be is to be myself. Check your ego at the door. The ego can be a great success inhibitor. It can kill opportunities, and it can kill success." This profound insight highlights the importance of authenticity and humility in personal growth. And if you have followed Johnson's career, you know it's not just something he preaches but something he believes in. From leaving behind the familiar and embarking on the unknown to changing his appearance early on because of so-called Holywood experts to switching his team to ensuring he was surrounded by people who would nourish his vision of personal and professional growth.
"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Personal growth is a journey, and it's a choice. We may never move toward a better version of ourselves if we dwell in doubt. I am sure Dwayne Johnson felt doubt in his transition from the familiar to the unknown; we have all felt doubt, but we should not make that our dwelling place. As Roosevelt alluded, the journey of personal growth starts by leaving behind doubt.
As I mentioned, personal growth is a journey, but it's also a choice. But concerning this, it is also your responsibility. We ought not to fall into the trap of putting our personal growth as the responsibility of another when it will be you and you alone who will stand before your maker and give an account of what you did or did not do. In his book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," author Stephen R. Covey' says it this way: "Look at the word responsibility-"response-ability"-the ability to choose your response. Highly proactive people recognize that responsibility. They do not blame circumstances, conditions, or conditioning for their behavior. Their behavior is a product of their own conscious choice, based on values, rather than a product of their conditions, based on feeling."
Most individuals I meet know precisely what they must do but need to know where the starting line is; allow me to help. As you contemplate your commitment and responsibility to personal growth, I invite you to join the Growth Strategy Spotlight—a platform designed to guide you on this transformative journey.
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They say information is key, and if this is true, then only bravery will be willing to explore what is behind the door. You've read about Dwayne Johnson's willingness to leave behind the familiar for the unknown. Will you be willing to leave your comfort zone for growth? As Stephen R. Covey explained in his book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," "response-ability is the ability to choose your response.” How will you respond to the calling of personal growth?