Growth & Evolution

Humans tend to gravitate towards what’s predictable and comfortable. Change often represents chaos, having to make adjustments, or learn a new way of doing things. Growth is not always welcomed although it’s ABSOLUTELY necessary and cannot nor should not be avoided.

All of God’s Creation demonstrates this fact. Since the beginning of time, the earth, atmosphere, nations, animals, and nature have consistently evolved. In fact, the modern-day term for evolution is innovation. So why is this age-old concept so rejected and not welcomed in the service and leadership of some companies?

In reviewing nature, animals, sea creatures, etc., we see how the growth process causes shedding, shifting, and moving from the old to the new in order to accommodate development. Shouldn’t we take these cues as a sign of how we grow naturally & spiritually?

Often we have traditions, programs, and roles that we stay in far too long. Stagnation sets in, and no growth is seen or experienced. We’re simply just existing doing the same ole same ole.

The spiritual institutions that we frequent, that contribute to keeping us inspired to go farther and deeper, and can cycle us through a unique career-affirming training process to facilitate our growth in keeping with the model of evolving through levels of service or support, are often underestimated for its true value both internally and externally.

Think of it this way, in gardening, as a plant grows, doesn’t the caretaker have the responsibility of changing its pot once it outgrows it? And what about the crustacean that seeks out a new shell to house itself from one stage to the next? Let’s not ignore the butterfly that starts out as a larva and then cocoons until it’s ready to take flight.

Leadership and growth opportunities are only optimal when they have cycled out the old for the new. There’s a particular scripture in the Bible that states, "You can’t put new wine in old wineskins," which basically means new ideas, concepts, designs, or enterprises cannot be contained within old systems.

As comfortable as meeting with the status quo can be to have people in the same roles for years and years on end; it may also stifle growth and stall the vibrant life blood needed for stimulation.

You’ve heard the old adage, “It takes a village.” This is certainly the best-case scenario in business and community. When we take the opportunity to engage in one another’s gifts & talents to sustain our organizations, projects, and professional aspirations, we can do so by being intentional to build in occasions to enable growth and evolution. If you are a business owner, or aspiring to be, check in with others in your sphere of influence to figure out how you can be a solution or grant others to bring their innovations to the table to assist you to figure out yours to spark growth & evolution.