Birthdays are merely anniversaries of our arrival on this planet. That day may have been much-anticipated and dearly longed for. Maybe not. It might have gone just as expected and without complication. But then, perhaps not. It might have occurred with much fanfare and brouhaha. Or not.
Whatever the circumstances, that day launched an inevitable turning of the clock. And with it, some constant changes (yes, that seems a contradiction). Don’t believe it? Look at pictures of yourself over the years.
We have no control of the birthday clock. We do, however, have tremendous control over our GrowthDay clock. We can choose on this day, and every day, to get better and learn more. On purpose.
There’s recipe for making today a GrowthDay:
- Choosing – choosing to grow and learn gives the process meaning and order.
- Reflecting – taking glances in the rearview mirror helps us make sense of where we’ve been, what went right/wrong along the way, and what next needs our attention.
- Pressing – consequential growth does not occur when we’re “in neutral” or comfortable.
- Inquiring – asking Why? or How? or What if? or Could we? triggers the antecedent to learning-growth which is……………..curiosity.
Atrophy happens. It happens more and faster when we let it.
Happy GrowthDay! (Today, and every day.)
*If you’d like to read more of nc’s blatherings, go to nc’s Recursive Learning.
Nelson Coulter
Nelson Coulter has held a lot of titles: rancher, educator, author, musician, entrepreneur, coach, mentor, consultant, and professor. He has coached, taught, and been published in many settings. He has served in public schools of all shapes, sizes, and contexts. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice at Louisiana State University - Shreveport. His most cherished titles, however, are the ones not attached to career identity: son, husband, dad, and granddad.
