17 – The Process of Stretching and Growing – Signs of a Passionate Life

BY STAN KONTOS

Today I caught up with some friends and one of them commented, “Yeah life is good. I am in a comfortable stage and don’t do too much. I enjoy spending time at home on the weekend.”

While I understand this may appeal to some, I take every opportunity to challenge and develop myself. Belief systems create your life. If you believe that it is good to stay in your comfort zone and resist growth, then your mind and body will not progress. You see my friends, growth is an essential part of life. Now I know we all like to take a little break from time to time and hibernate in comfort (yes I do too). This is good and helps us to feel refreshed. We must, however, exit this state at some stage and get back into living life and growing ourselves to the next level. The destiny of our soul is linked to us growing as spiritual beings.

So what have you done lately that has really stretched you and enabled you to grow? What uncertainty were you able to handle that has now changed you forever? Have you challenged yourself to be a better friend, employee, employer or partner?  Have you expanded your skillset in wealth creation and learnt a new technique for creating money and put it into action? What have you done with optimising your fitness – what challenge did you put your body through that was exhilarating and endorphin releasing?  If you find that you have not experienced growth in a long time, then you should immerse yourself in the company of someone different – someone who will challenge you to stretch and grow (perhaps consider a SOL Results coach). You may have heard the wisdom, “You become like those you associate with.” Is it time to implement these wisdoms into your life and create a more exciting future for you and everyone who looks up to you?

Growth can be difficult, but it is permanently rewarding. The achievement of a stretch goal is not just about the goal itself – it is about who you become. I believe each of us has an inner potential that when activated, can create incredible results. I remember a quote that really got me thinking: “Most people die with the music still in them.” This means that while people have the potential for personal and professional growth, not all reach it.

The rocking chair test is the ultimate assessment (for those of you that were at the last Breakfast at the Next Level, our amazing guest, Henry Olonga, mentioned that it was the rocking chair test that motivated him to step up as a leader and inform the world about what was occurring in Zimbabwe).

This test involves you imagining yourself at an old age and reflecting on your decisions in life. The decisions you make today will either make your life a masterpiece to be followed or a warning of what not to do. It is always your choice!

I would like to encourage you to make your life a masterpiece by making good choices today. Make choices that will help you stretch and grow into a better person. By this I mean a person who is fulfilled at the end of their life because they gave it their all. So enjoy creating your own great legacy.

Live life with passion, purpose and stay at peace.

Stan Kontos