On growing pains

I had a birthday in January. It was a birthday that felt significant — a number that makes you feel like you really aren't a kid anymore, even if that’s how your grandparents still see you. There's a lot of talk about how Gen Z thinks they’re (we’re?) “aging faster”. Stunted emotional development, thanks to the pandemic. I think we’re growing up.

We have a growth mindset if we believe that our talents can be developed over time through hard work. If we think we can’t change ourselves for the better, then we have a fixed mindset. Or so they say.

Maybe what I’m feeling should have hit me a few years ago, this never-ending growing pain. Write interesting stuff, stay on top of the latest trends and technologies, learn new skills, put yourself out there. Refine and rework and redesign and rebrand; react and reshare, proact and prepare. 

I think work kind of bungled what the growth mindset actually means. Or maybe my understanding of it was always wrong? Constant self-betterment by way of “critical” feedback. Honing your strengths and strengthening your weaknesses (against the company’s quarterly KPIs). You’re good, but could always be better. 3 out of 5. “Here are the top 8 tools you NEED to be using to optimize your job search.” “12 tips and tricks to become an Excel WIZARD.” “5 books to read if you want to SHATTER the glass ceiling.” (No mention of the affiliate links.) 

What good is an extrinsic growth mindset? Grow, or else? Grow, because you have to? We can’t grow all the time. 

What about grow, because it’s good for you? Grow, because it makes your heart stronger. It should feel hard and uncomfortable, but not always. We are perennials. It takes time to bloom. 🌷