Over the past few years, I’ve made so many changes. If you had asked me last year, I would have confidently said, “I have grown so much.” But during some recent reflection, I’ve come to terms with the fact that maybe I haven’t grown as much as I thought.

Life is full of transitions. We move from one chapter to the next, leaving behind old versions of ourselves to make room for the new. But as we navigate these shifts, it’s worth asking: are we simply changing, or are we truly growing? While change and growth often go hand in hand, they’re not the same. Understanding the difference can help us approach our journey with greater clarity and intention.

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What is the Difference Between Changing and Growing

At its core, change is about something being different. It’s external, often situational, and can happen quickly. Growth, on the other hand, is internal. It’s about transformation, self-awareness, and evolving into a better version of yourself. Growth takes time, patience, and effort.

For example: quitting a toxic job is change. Learning to set boundaries, recognize your worth, and identify what you want in your career is growth. The two can happen together, but growth requires you to dig deeper.

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Signs You Might Be Just Changing

Change isn’t inherently bad—sometimes it’s necessary to remove yourself from situations that no longer serve you. However, if you’re only changing without growing, you might notice these patterns:

1. Repetition of Cycles: You find yourself in similar situations over and over again, whether it’s relationships, jobs, or habits.
2. External Focus: Your decisions are driven by how things look from the outside rather than what feels right internally.
3. Quick Fixes: You’re drawn to immediate changes, like a new haircut, moving cities, or making impulsive decisions, hoping they’ll solve deeper issues.

For example: let’s say you decide to leave a toxic friendship. That’s a positive change, but if you don’t take time to reflect on why you stayed in the friendship or what boundaries you need in the future, you might find yourself in a similar situation again.

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What Growth Looks Like

Growth is more intentional and reflective. Here are some signs that you’re growing:

1. Self-Awareness: You take the time to understand your patterns, triggers, and values.
2. Intentional Decisions: Your choices align with your goals and inner needs, even if they’re uncomfortable or take longer to achieve.
3. Embracing Discomfort: You recognize that growth often involves stepping out of your comfort zone and facing challenges head-on.
4. Inner Peace: While growth isn’t always easy, it often leads to a sense of fulfillment and alignment with your authentic self.

For example: imagine you’ve faced repeated setbacks in your career. Instead of blaming external circumstances, you take time to assess your strengths, improve your skills, and build resilience. Over time, you not only advance professionally but also develop a stronger sense of self-worth and confidence.

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How to Shift from Changing to Growing

If you feel stuck in a cycle of change without growth, here are some steps to help you transition:

1. Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to assess where you are and why you’re making changes. Ask yourself: Am I avoiding something deeper?
2. Seek Feedback: Sometimes growth requires outside perspective. Talk to trusted friends, mentors, or even a therapist to gain insight.
3. Set Intentions: Instead of rushing into the next big change, identify areas where you want to grow and set clear, actionable goals.
4. Practice Patience: Growth doesn’t happen overnight. Give yourself grace as you navigate the process.
5. Celebrate Progress: Recognize and honor your small wins. Growth isn’t linear, but every step forward matters.

For example: if you’ve been jumping from one job to the next, pause to ask yourself why. Is it dissatisfaction with the work itself or a lack of fulfillment in how you approach it? This kind of reflection can help guide you toward meaningful, long-term changes

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Conclusion

Change can feel liberating, but growth is where the magic happens. It’s where you evolve, learn, and step into your true potential. So the next time life nudges you toward something new, ask yourself: Am I just changing, or am I growing? Both have their place, but growth is what leads to lasting transformation.

Here’s to embracing not just change, but the kind of growth that empowers and inspires. You’ve got this.

Take a moment to reflect on your journey. Are you making changes, or are you growing? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear from you! Let’s start a conversation about how we can all move beyond change and into transformation.

If this post resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who might need encouragement to embrace their own growth.

Thank you for reading today’s blog.