6 Ways to Embrace a Slow Growth Mindset This Year
While nature has always moved at her own speed, humans are inclined to find any and every way to pick up the pace. This time of year, we’re bombarded with reminders to set goals. But before you set another one – or go hard on yourself for giving up a New Year’s resolution halfway through January – let’s take a breath and look at goal-setting from a different perspective.
What can nature teach us about evolution and growth? How can we learn new skills and embrace new experiences without burning out or missing the beauty of living in the moment?
January is the season for change, but should it be? Consider how nature spends this time of year. This is the dormant period, when plants and animals rest and recover. Could we also turn inward and spend the first few months of the year in a contemplative or planning mode rather than executing significant changes when the days are shorter and darker? If you feel inspired and energized, embrace it. But if you don’t, acknowledge that you’re attuned to nature’s rhythms – and that is also a success worth celebrating.
Read on to learn how you might embrace a nature-inspired, slower approach to goal-setting.
6 Ways to Embrace a Slow Growth Mindset
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Be patient: Recognize that meaningful achievements take time. Give yourself the grace to progress sustainably, understanding that setbacks and delays are part of growth.
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Stay mindful: Stay present and engaged in the process rather than fixating solely on the end result. This awareness can lead to greater satisfaction and a deeper understanding of your journey.
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Be ready to adjust your plans: Be open to change and willing to adjust your plans as needed. Nature leads by example; flexibility is crucial for survival and success.
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Stay connected: Acknowledge the value of relationships and seek collaboration – remember that even the trees are connected, with the help of the mycelial network. Sharing knowledge and resources can boost your efforts and lead to better outcomes.
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Focus on the big picture: Aim for long-lasting success by building a solid foundation. Quick fixes may offer immediate gratification but often lack enduring impact.
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Practice gratitude: Setbacks and disappointments will happen. Consider reframing them as opportunities to grow and learn – and offer gratitude for the experience. (This one might take some practice!)
Feeling inspired to set some goals for the year? Take a page from nature’s book with one of these:
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Meet a friend for a hike or walk in nature on a regular basis. Set a cadence that works for you both: monthly, quarterly or weekly – there’s no “right” choice.
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Pick up a new field guide and commit to learning about a certain number of new fungi species this year.
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Need to reframe your exercise motivation? Think of each gym session as training for the hikes and foraging trips you’ll take in the months to come.
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Add one new Capsule or Elixir blend to your daily routine. Or try our new Memory Gummies with Choline, Lion's Mane Extract, and KSM-66 Ashwagandha® Root Extract to support optimal brain health.*
