Here, the term "growth" involves psychological growth, which can be defined in various ways depending upon one's professional perspective based upon resources available. Yet, despite the various definitions, it's quite logical to conclude that, without first cultivating our internal growth--exploring our mind via deep self-awareness--most external growth will be hindered or unrealized. A healthy plant grows from the inside out and, as a result, produces healthy branches, flowers, and then fruit. The process is similar for humans, metaphorically speaking. Conversely, both plant and human remain stunted and wither.
MSS Research echoes this perspective: "To accomplish more in society, we need to acquire greater awareness of the world around us so that we can identify emerging opportunities and concealed potentials that exist regardless of how limiting the circumstances may appear to be....Similarly, to grow psychologically we need to acquire greater self-awareness of our own inner personality, its tendencies, propensities, positive and negative characteristics. This self-awareness requires objectivity, impartiality, the capacity to see ourselves as other people see us, without self-justification or defensiveness. The greater our self-awareness, the greater our capacity to master our own personality and grow psychologically."
Deep self-awareness can be quite difficult because it requires accepting both our various positive and negative (healthy and unhealthy) personality traits. If asked, most people would probably say that they're self-aware. Yet, during my career, I've found that humans tend not to acknowledge (let alone accept) their negative traits. If they do, most don't spend much time deeply understanding them: Their origination and how they're activated; how they affect others and themselves; or, how frequently they surface. In other words, without professional guidance, most humans usually "abort the mission" regarding deep self-awareness due to discomfort.
Acceptance is the key. If we deny, we remain stagnant and stubborn fools.
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