Why Everything You Know About Growth is Wrong

Hey Beyonder! 👋

For the last few years, growth has been constantly changing its definition for me. Few years ago, it was getting a hike, then it was getting a promotion. Then it changed to starting something on my own.

Off late, it reminds me of my childhood. I often recall myself wearing shoes that are bigger than my feet as a kid. I am sure you have done it too. That act of innocence feels like a symbol now.

Growth now feels like putting on shoes that are slightly too big. And the adult me finds it both uncomfortable and exciting, just like the kid me.

I have come to realize that when you're building something bigger than yourself, the rules change. (And trust me, nobody warns you about this part!)

Everyone thinks being a leader is about doing things that you want to do and making others do what you don’t want to. But it is barely the truth. Being a leader sometimes means doing the exact opposite of what your heart wants.

Sometimes I miss the good old days!

There was a time when I used to pick projects based on pure creative vibes? Those were the days! I'd jump at any chance to work with cool clients, even if the pay was... let's just say creative too.😅

But now? I've got a team counting on me. 

Every time an exciting project lands in my inbox, I have to put on my "responsible adult" beanie (not literally!)

Today, leadership for me is more than just following my passion. It is my responsibility.

Like for example- sometime back this amazing client reached out. 

Their project? Absolutely dreamy. 
The kind that makes your creativity become hyper-active.
But the budget? Let's just say it would've had my team eating maggie for a month.

When I took it to my project lead (we've got different team members heading different parts of our agency), they looked at the project and simply said, "It's not possible."

If the old me, who used to work on projects alone, got this opportunity I would have probably jumped on it.

But now that I have a team and I have leadership responsibilities, I am learning that sometimes the strongest thing you can do is step back and trust your team's judgment. I am learning about something called the Growth Paradox.

The Growth Paradox is the idea that efforts to grow can actually hinder its growth.

I am learning that:

• it's not just about what you can do, but what your team can sustain

• trust isn't just given up, it's given across and down

• the best decisions aren't always the ones that feel good in the moment

It’s kinda wild that a few years ago, growth meant getting that promotion or that pay raise. Then it evolved into starting something of my own. But now?

Now it's about learning to let go of the reins sometimes, even when every fiber of my being wants to grab them tighter.

Your Turn to Grow

I want you to think about if the Growth Paradox applies to your life. Reflect and find out if your efforts to grow in itself are hindering your growth.

And if yes, I would suggest you to take a step back and reflect if you’re holding too tight to something- it could be ideas, people, projects, or the idea of your own capabilities. 

Would love to hear about your experiences with this kind of growth - the kind that feels like a step backward but is actually moving you forward. Hit reply and share your story!

Keep growing (even when it means letting go),
Epaphra

P.S. Anyone else feel like adulting should come with a manual? Because I feel so too! 😅 But hey, we're in this together, Beyonder! 💪

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