The Inconvenient Truth About Growth

Growth isn’t a straight path. And maybe that’s the beauty of it. This blog is here for the hard days, the bad times, the moments when you feel like you’re losing ground. Let this be a reminder: everyone goes through these moments, and you’ll come out just fine.

Today, I’m peeling back the curtain and sharing a raw, vulnerable part of my journey—what some might call the “lower 50.”

The 50/50 Theory

Life is 50% happiness and 50% something else—challenges, discomfort, or just “meh” moments. The Life Coach School and many others adhere to this belief. We often wish for constant happiness or linear growth, but life doesn’t work that way. And that’s okay. Each phase of your journey has its place and purpose.

So why do we resist the tough times? Especially when we’re “supposed to” have it all figured out? People in the spotlight rarely show their vulnerable moments. But today, I want to embrace those moments, share them, and find the strength within them.

Living in the Past

Recently, a friend and I reflected on how much time we’ve spent comparing the past to the present. As business owners, we’ve been caught up in “what was” instead of celebrating how far we’ve come. It’s a trap we all fall into—measuring ourselves against a version of the past instead of appreciating the growth and resilience it took to get here.

In my early days, I was just trying to stay afloat. Late nights, no social life, and juggling a master’s program defined that season. Looking back, I sometimes romanticize those days, thinking I was more productive or better back then. But that’s just a narrative—a story shaped by our tendency to believe growth should be a straight line.

Nature Knows Best

Growth isn’t linear. Think about how plants grow: they shoot upward, then pause, contract, and surge forward again. The process repeats until that small sprout becomes a mighty oak tree.

Do you think the plant gets frustrated when it pauses or contracts? I like to believe it doesn’t. It trusts the process. And so should we.

Resistance to the natural ebb and flow of growth causes suffering. If we could see these pauses and steps back as normal, we’d move through them with more grace and ease.

The Zigzag Path

Imagine crossing a river by stepping on stones. Some stones feel stable and secure, while others are wobbly or require a detour. From the other side, you can look back and see the beauty in the zigzagging path you took. It wasn’t perfect, but it was adventurous and uniquely yours.

Life is like that. The “correct path” is a myth. It’s okay if your journey doesn’t look like anyone else’s. In fact, it shouldn’t.

Permission to Pause

The world tells us to keep moving, striving, achieving. But sometimes, the best thing you can do is pause, contract, and sink into the moment. This grace you give yourself—this permission to step back—ripples outward. It shows others they can do the same.

You, my friend, are powerful beyond measure, even when things don’t seem to go your way. Especially then.

Keep Going

Growth isn’t about perfection. It’s about perseverance. Remember, every pause, every step back, is part of becoming the oak tree you’re meant to be.

If this resonated with you, let me know. Slide into my DMs on Instagram (@AlliedIndependence) or leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Together, we’re creating a ripple effect of change, and I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

And if you’re a teacher navigating this wild ride, grab our free remote lesson plans here to make your life just a little easier.

You’ve got this.

Useful Resources:

• Explore the IOMOS Priority List to stay ahead in your O&M practice.
• Join the Clarity Workshop for in-depth training and actionable strategies.
• Register for the TVI Symposium  to connect with fellow educators and learn from experts in the field.