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What Authentic Growth Really Looks Like

Spoiler: It's not perfect, and that's the point.

 

 

Hey friends!

We’ve walked through the traps of a fixed mindset, the power of a growth mindset, and the sneaky discomfort of the illusion of growth. But now it’s time to talk about something deeper—something real.

Let’s talk about authentic growth.

Because sometimes, when we hear the word “growth,” we picture someone crushing goals, checking off habits, and thriving with a green smoothie in one hand and a journal in the other.

But authentic growth? It’s quieter. It’s messier. And it often looks a lot more like grit and grace than glossy success.

Real Growth Is Rooted in Honesty

Authentic growth starts when we stop trying to impress others—or even ourselves—and start getting honest.

• Honest about what’s working
• Honest about what’s not
• Honest about what we’re avoiding
• Honest about how we really feel

It’s saying, “I’m tired,” instead of faking positivity.
It’s admitting, “This old belief is holding me back,” even when it’s hard.
It’s recognizing that growth doesn’t always feel good—but it’s always worth it.

Authentic Growth Is Consistent, Not Constant

You don’t need to grow every day. You just need to keep coming back to yourself.

Authentic growth means:

• Sometimes you rest instead of hustle.
• Sometimes you start over, again and again.
• Sometimes you grow sideways—through detours, not checklists.

And you know what? That’s still growth.

Progress isn’t always upward. Sometimes it loops, spirals, or pauses. And that’s okay.

Authentic Growth Speaks Kindly

Real growth doesn’t shame you into change—it invites you.

Instead of saying:

“You should be further along by now.”

It whispers:

“You’re still learning. You’re doing the work. Keep going.”

Growth doesn’t mean you're never triggered, frustrated, or stuck again. It means you catch it sooner. You pause. You reflect. And you respond with more wisdom than last time.

That’s growth.

What Authentic Growth Might Look Like (That No One Talks About)

• Saying “no” even when it feels uncomfortable
• Journaling honestly, not prettily
• Crying after a hard decision—and still standing by it
• Skipping the workout to prioritize rest without guilt
• Noticing when you self-sabotage and choosing differently
• Choosing compassion over control
• Asking for help

You might not post about these wins. But they’re the ones that shift everything.

A Few Ways to Nurture Real Growth

Want to stay rooted in authentic growth, not perfectionism? Try this:

1. Journal without editing. Let your messy thoughts hit the page. Don’t clean them up. Let them teach you.
2. Check in, not just check off. At the end of each week, ask: Did I grow in honesty? In kindness? In consistency?
3. Have a “course correct” plan. Not a punishment. A reset button. So when you drift, you know how to return gently.
4. Celebrate private wins. The ones no one sees—like saying no, setting a boundary, or resisting old patterns.
5. Talk to yourself like you talk to someone you love. Seriously. No more bullying your way to progress.

Final Thoughts: You Are Growing, Even If It Doesn’t Feel Like It

If you’ve made it to this point in the series, take a breath and celebrate. You’ve done something brave. You’ve reflected, challenged old beliefs, and stayed open to change.

That is growth.
That is strength.
That is you, becoming.

So here’s your gentle reminder: Growth doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful. It just needs to be true.

Keep growing, not to prove anything—but to become everything you already are.

Ready to keep growing from the inside out?
Subscribe to my newsletter for practical mindset tools, reflection prompts, and seasonal inspiration to help you stay grounded, focused, and empowered. Your growth matters—let’s nurture it together.