Grow for It

"You all have the power to heal your life; you must know that." ~ Angela White

I never thought I would quote Black China, aka Angela White, in a LinkedIn article. Mainly in the headlines for having a kid with Kardashian, Black China is a social media influencer best known for her augmented body and toxic relationships with industry men and even her mother.??

One of my superhero strengths is being able to see the raw potential. I also get so sad when others, even strangers, waste their talents. Black China was one of the many influencers I would secretly root for when many dismissed her. While most people were fans because of her thirst traps, I was a fan of how she moved off-camera. Yes, she had her issues, but you must credit her for pulling herself up from a toxic childhood to build her brand and business. Everyone familiar with her mom knows she didn't have a chance at a normal life. Yes, she used her body. She believed that her body was all she had to offer as a teen living on her own. I have been hoping she would have the courage to grow beyond her past. There have been hints of change over the past two years. She began to be strategic about showing the world her other talents and who she is offline. In the last few weeks, she made headlines for something different. She made a very public decision to shed her persona with some very bold moves. She reversed all of her cosmetic procedures to her face and body, removed her artificial nails and wigs, shut down her lucrative Only Fans page, and announced she is going by her government name Angela White. She looks like and talks like a brand new person. Most importantly, she did the internal work first. She documented her journey, which I hope inspires the young ladies who relate to her.?

I was more excited for her growth and natural glow because I am going through my own growth spurt. I had so much internal conflict about stepping away from my job and jumping into full-time entrepreneurship. It was something that I had wanted to do for years. However, I was terrified. I knew I had to work through the fear, the imposter syndrome, and the insecurities to step into what I knew was my calling. I knew I had to grow in these areas. I had to walk the talk, ask for help, and shed light on the dark places. I curated my personal transition and growth team: pastors, coaches, a therapist, and my private executive board. I let my guard down, ate my humble pie, answered the hard questions, and did the work.? I became intentional about growth. In speaking with my coaches in the last few weeks, everyone saw the change. They heard the shift in my talk and my overall demeanor. Their remarks made me stop and reflect. I realized that I have evolved. I was not the same person I was last year. While growth can hurt, I am excited to grow in other areas. I can't wait to see the woman I'll be years from now.?

We all have things we need to grow past. To live well, be well, and do well, we have to unload the trauma, toxic thinking, and faulty beliefs that stagnate our potential. Our best selves and life are within our reach. However, in the words of my Pastor, we must "grow get it." Growth is not magical; it is a process that must be initiated with intention.?

Here are five things to position yourself for intentional growth:?

Admit you don't know it all.?

When you allow yourself to learn new things, you create space for growth and room for new perspectives. You'll be more accepting of advice.?

Shed the perfectionism.?

Convincing yourself that everything is perfectly fine leads to stagnation. You'll neglect to find areas of growth.?

Let go of your ego.?

The ego can often hinder our growth as it cultivates a fixed mindset. In protecting your sense of self, you become defensive and closed-minded to constructive feedback. Setting aside your ego and humbling yourself can advance your growth and evolution.?

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.?

The real fear of exploring growth areas is the fear of being uncomfortable. Even though there's no real danger to your physical self, the awkwardness in examining your thoughts and behaviors and trying new things feels intimidating. Being uncomfortable is just a feeling and feelings are temporal. Don't let being uncomfortable for a little while keep you from your best self.

What's stunted your growth? What can you do this week to initiate your personal and professional growth??

Good Read of the Week: The Autobiography of Gucci Mane

by Gucci Mane and Neil Martinez-Belkin

Quote of the Week: “The man who views the world at 50 the same he did at 20 has wasted thirty years of his life.” – Muhammad Ali

Connect with Me:?

Connect with Me: If you are in Baton Rouge, check out my upcoming goal-setting workshop for busy professionals, Clarity & Charcuterie .?

Schedule a free mini-coaching session to find how coaching can accelerate your personal and professional growth.?