Stories of Growth, Grit, and Greatness! Chapter Twelve of COJO Chapters
Grow or Rot: The Choice We Make Every Day
Let me ask you a question: When was the last time you felt truly alive? Not just breathing, but alive—like your mind was buzzing with curiosity, your heart was brimming with purpose, and your spirit was dancing with excitement.
If it’s been a while, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Life has a way of pulling us into its whirlwind of to-do lists, responsibilities, and routines. But here’s the thing: If you’re not growing, you’re not just standing still—you’re slowly wilting.
Yes, you heard me right. If you’re not actively learning, evolving, or challenging yourself, you’re stagnating. And stagnation? That’s the breeding ground for discontent, fear, and regret.
The Garden of Life
Think of yourself as a garden. Every choice you make is like planting a seed—some grow into towering trees, offering shade and wisdom, while others sprout vibrant flowers, bringing joy and beauty. But neglect the garden, and what happens? Weeds take over. The soil dries out. The garden starts to rot.
The same is true for your life. You’re either cultivating growth or letting decay creep in. And let’s be honest—rot doesn’t wait for permission. It sneaks in through the cracks of complacency, the corners of “I’ll do it tomorrow,” and the shadows of “I’m too busy.”
Why Growth Matters
Growth isn’t about perfection or constant hustle; it’s about movement. It’s about asking yourself, What can I learn today? How can I be better than I was yesterday?
Jay Shetty often talks about how even the smallest steps forward can create momentum. And Oprah? She’s the queen of reminding us that life’s greatest rewards come when we lean into the discomfort of growth.
It’s not always easy—growth can feel like stretching a muscle you didn’t even know you had. But isn’t that the point? If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.
The Rot of Complacency
Let’s talk about the flip side: rot. Rot disguises itself as comfort. It tells you, “You’ve done enough. Just coast for a while.” But complacency is a sneaky thief. It steals your dreams in slow motion, one unfulfilled day at a time.
Have you ever noticed how the longer you stay in a comfort zone, the harder it is to leave? That’s the rot setting in. It’s the voice that whispers, This is fine. You’re fine. But deep down, you know you’re not.
Actionable Steps to Grow Every Day
Now, let’s get practical. How do you keep your garden thriving? Here are three simple yet powerful ways:
1. Feed Your Mind: Read something new, listen to a thought-provoking podcast, or take a class. Growth starts with curiosity.
2. Challenge Your Comfort Zone: Do one thing each day that scares you just a little. It could be starting a conversation, trying a new hobby, or tackling that one task you’ve been avoiding.
3. Reflect and Adjust: At the end of each day, ask yourself: What did I learn today? How did I grow? Then, plan one small step for tomorrow.
The Beauty of Lifelong Learning
The beautiful thing about growth is that it’s not about reaching a destination—it’s about the journey. Every time you learn, stretch, or evolve, you add another ring to the tree of your life.
And here’s the kicker: Growth doesn’t just benefit you. When you grow, you inspire others to do the same. You become the friend, partner, and leader who uplifts those around you.
Your Call to Action
So, let me leave you with this: Are you growing, or are you rotting?
The choice is yours. Every day is an opportunity to plant a new seed, nurture your garden, and watch yourself bloom. Life isn’t about staying the same—it’s about becoming more.
Because if you’re not growing, you’re not living. And you, my friend, were made to live fully, beautifully, and boldly.
Go grow. The world is waiting for your next chapter.
Much love! Commodore Val Jones