Growing Slowly is Better Than Standing Still

By Angeli Marie Shaw

The world as we know it is changing at a rapid pace. Cost of living has been one of the top subjects with majority of the country having to reassess, budget and sacrifice to make ends meet. We have global issues such as war and conflict, resulting in passionate debate, fiery conversation and protests contributing to feelings of unrest and uncertainty.

Technology is rapidly advancing, with AI becoming more prominent, cash payments are disappearing and even bricks and mortar businesses are dropping locations in favour of doing business online. Running a business nowadays is not an easy feat, and while so much is happening, we’re encouraged to keep up with it all; maintaining a work-life balance, keeping up to date with all the changes and sustaining overall well-being, but how do we when it feels like the goal posts are constantly moving?

Whilst the world around us is evolving at hyper-speed, it’s the small steps that you make that will have a bigger impact on the way you live. In your personal life, your business, your community and beyond. Don’t know where to start or what steps to take? Here are a few of my tips to try…

1. Be open to learning.

From the moment we are born and take our first breath we are learning. Acknowledging that we don’t know everything, and in some cases, we’re going to fail, opens us up to the process of learning and cultivates a growth mindset towards learning new things. We are all lifelong learners. When we learn more about ourselves, we have the opportunity to become better versions of who we are and how we show up in the world. Think of it as a chance to declutter your mind, discarding what may have been incorrect or didn’t work and replacing it with new knowledge and insight. The power of hindsight, eh?

2. Connect with compassion.

To live a compassionate life requires both softness and strength. We can all claim to have a strong backbone, but this should be complemented and balanced out with a soft front. After all, our very existence is filled with opposites such as light and dark. Compassion involves acknowledging that all lives are just as important, sacred and of value, just like our own. It’s a motivational state, and this motivation could take the form of action, such as stepping in and helping, or simply offering kindness.

3. The language we use matters.

Don’t underestimate the power of words. The ones we choose and the way we use them persuade, influence and affect how people view the world, including ourselves. Words don’t just reflect reality; they create reality.

Whether it be vocally, written down or posted online, words have the power to make people feel understood, valued and supported, however, they can also make people feel undermined, misunderstood, stigmatised and excluded. Try making a commitment to using positive language and making positive statements. It may seem like a small step but could make a huge difference to someone’s day, especially your own.

4. Set boundaries.

This one isn’t just about setting boundaries with others but also setting boundaries with yourself. Boundaries can be perceived as harsh, but they are also an integral part of self-care and a way of keeping your needs from being put last. If you consider yourself a compassionate person, you may feel called in when someone is in need or offer your help before it is asked, and making yourself available to others is something you may be used to. Considered an amicable quality, the flip side of this is that your offer or expectation of help can become a burden.

You may experience compassion burnout, and this is something I’ve personally experienced and had to learn from. Prioritise self-care and aim on keeping your cup full before you hold space for others. You may feel riddled with a sense of guilt, but these boundaries will not only protect your energy but can also lead to healthier relationships and improved self-esteem.

As 2024 comes to an end and we welcome a new year, choose wisely. Always choose to heal, not to hurt. To forgive not to despise. Choose to persevere and not to quit. Choose smiles over frowns, choose love over hate. Life a life that matters and be remembered not for your competence but your character, not only for your success but for your significance.

It has been an honour and blessing to once again be able to share my thoughts and contributions with you in 2024 and I look forward to sharing more in 2025!

As always, I believe in you!

Love & Bliss, Angeli xxoo

Angeli is a Holistic Empowerment Coach, Mindset Mentor/Trainer and founder of The Bliss Coach.

To work with Angeli 1:1 or organise group training in 2025, get in touch by visiting www.theblisscoach.com.au or follow me on my socials @theblisscoach to connect and find out more.