The Evolution
Ireloluwa Akinola
Copywriter + Marketing Strategist| I help Businesses make more sales in 60-90 days| Building in public and sharing my lessons.
Over the past month, I’ve rejected a number of job offers. Not because of the pay. These are jobs I would have jumped on six months ago.
But the more I grow and upskill, the more intentional I become about the people and businesses I choose to work with.
I know we always say it’s all about the reader or client, but let’s be honest—it’s equally about us too.
Recently, I’ve been defining my goals, and with that clarity comes decisions I wouldn’t have normally made. And you know what? I love it.
I realized something: this is what evolution is all about. I’m growing, and I love it.
The Pattern of Growth.
Here’s one thing I’ve noticed about growth—it’s boring.
The end result might be flamboyant and exciting, but the process?
Messy. Painstaking. Uncomfortable.
Ugh.
The sooner you realize this and commit to the work, the more growth actually happens.
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If you’re still reading, let me take a moment to remind you why this newsletter exists.
It’s where I try to make sense of things.
Sometimes, I have clarity and share insights. Other times, I have as many questions as you do—but I talk about them anyway because I’m figuring things out too.
Here’s one thing I’ve realized: Your growth can be fast or slow, depending on your approach.
Two Approaches to Growth
?Approach 1: Winging it all by yourself. ?
Approach 2: Seeking help and guidance.
But here’s the funny thing—most times, you actually have to learn some lessons the hard way for them to truly sink in.
For example, when my mentors told me to stay consistent, I didn’t fully understand why, but I did it anyway.
It wasn’t until I fell into a period of deep inconsistency that I realized what they meant. Suddenly, I remembered everything I was able to achieve when I was intentional, and it all clicked.
So I guess there has to be a balance.
?Sometimes, you wing it. ?
Sometimes, you seek guidance.
What they’re telling you might be exactly what you need to hear—but you may not realize it until later. If you’re lucky, you’ll get it immediately.
But even if you don’t, having the right guidance will ensure you don’t stay stuck for too long.
There’s also the fact that there are definitely some loopholes that you’ll avoid, that’s for sure.
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Why People Don’t Take Growth Seriously
Because it’s slow.
Think about it. You’re making 0.5% progress every week (or maybe even less). Now divide that by seven days. The progress is so small, it feels insignificant.
(PS: This isn’t backed by fact, just the way I see it.)
But that’s the thing—growth happens in tiny, unnoticeable increments until one day, you look back and realize how far you’ve come.
So if you’re showing up consistently, even when it feels boring, give yourself a pat on the back.
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The Science Behind Following Through
Now, here’s something that is backed by research:
According to a study by the University of Scranton, only 8% of people actually achieve their goals. That means 92% don’t finish what they start.
Ninety-two percent.
The moment I saw that statistic, I decided—I’m going to be part of the 8%. I know you want to be too. So here’s a little nudge.
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How to Stay Committed to Growth
?Write down every single goal you’ve ever envisioned.
?Pick three top goals—the ones that, if achieved, would make you feel truly fulfilled.
?Now, choose ONE from those three. That’s your focus.
?Break it down into daily, weekly, and monthly steps that will bring you closer to it.
?Be realistic. Don’t lie to yourself.
If you execute these steps every single day—whether you feel like it or not—you’ll either achieve your goal or be closer to it than ever before.
That’s how I define growth. Who knows? My definition might change again soon.
But that’s the beauty of evolution. And I’m okay with that.
I'll be back next week Sunday with another entry, but before you go, I'd love to hear from you.
?What’s your definition of growth? Drop a comment and let’s talk.