Waiting for Growth: Embracing the Silent Stages of Progress
This summer, I redesigned our front garden, introducing more coniferous trees to bring their grounding green energy through winter. I had to move a flourishing maple tree, doing everything I could to ensure its success. But each day, it wilted more, its vibrant green leaves turning brown.
My instinct was to pull it out and hide the evidence of my failure.
Today, during fall cleaning, I noticed small nods of green at the tips of its branches—tiny signs of life. The original growth had withered, but new growth had quietly begun. The tree just needed time to adjust before it could thrive again.
It takes seconds of scrolling on any social platform to read a version of the quote, "You don't plant a seed and expect it to grow overnight," reminding us to be patient with personal growth. But what’s less often discussed is how to endure the uncomfortable waiting period—the phase where growth is happening beneath the surface.
In the absence of external validation, how do you navigate valleys of doubt, trusting that progress is being made even when it’s not immediately visible?
In a recent newsletter, Yung Pueblo explored the discomfort of growth, emphasizing that progress isn’t linear. He warns against measuring progress in small increments because healing involves highs, lows, and unpredictability.
This idea was reinforced during a mastermind I attended with Catherine Farquharson , who explained that her upcoming 12-month program isn’t structured for change to take a year but to offer support throughout the highs and lows of the journey.
The feedback at the beginning of a new project, company, or idea often comes fast and furious—fuelling momentum. But when hitting "live" or "for sale" is met with silence or just the cheers of your inner circle, the energy shrivels, and like my relocated maple, your momentum begins to wilt.
So, what do you do during that disheartening period? Do you sit back and wait for signs of life, hoping to reignite your energy? Or do you uproot everything and start again, chasing the relief that comes with fresh beginnings?
From personal experience and supporting clients in reaching their goals, I’ve found these strategies effective for navigating the discomfort of change:
Overlapping Goals: Having multiple goals that align with your desired impact diversifies your focus and prevents fixating on one negative outcome.
Revisit Your Why: Revisiting your "why," as Simon Sinek suggests, reconnects you to the deeper purpose behind your work. This re-energizes you when progress feels slow, helping you move past challenges and stay aligned with bigger goals.
Get Support: Seeking support from others or professionals provides valuable guidance and accountability, helping you overcome obstacles and stay focused on long-term success.
These tools are also great for recognizing when it’s time to start over. Not everything will thrive or take root. Just as growth takes time, so does meaningful change.