September 23, 2024

“You don’t overcome challenges by making them smaller. You overcome challenges by making yourself bigger.” – John Maxwell

When I think about why I value the word enlarge, what I am drawn to is opportunity. 

Every day, we’re presented with opportunities that expand who we are from the inside out, opportunities that refine the quality of our character and strengthen the depth of our attitude and style. By accepting these daily growth invitations, we enlarge our value and presence in life. If we step past them, we lose incredible growth opportunities—the personalized kind that comes from the heart and is packed with purpose.

This is as much true for your life as it is for mine.

When I turned 40, my grandma told me, “Your 40s will be one of the best decades of your life.” Now that I’m approaching 50 (in just a few weeks!) and I’ve had the chance to experience the depth of this decade, my grandma’s wisdom holds significance yet quite differently than I envisioned. Looking over my shoulder, I see personal experiences that have humbly matured and shaped the depth of my style in every realm. Over and over and over again, this decade taught me a soul-steadying mindset titled My 3G's: Grit, Gratitude + Growth.

This mindset matters because the peace of my soul does not have to fluctuate with unpredictable situations or people. Being grounded in My 3G’s shapes my attitude and gives me the faith-infused force to see situations as opportunities to…  

… focus on my vision rather than my circumstances.

… let my values authentically influence my behavior.

… choose endurance and experience the soundness of persistence. It’s a critical state of mind to choose because we don’t accidentally endure. We choose it.

… shape the view of resiliency and vulnerability for myself, my kids, and perhaps others watching.

… make my mind work for me, not against me.

When I shift my thinking to live above my circumstances, especially in the squeezing seasons, My 3G’s empower and equip me to experience the soundness of persistence. This intentionality cultivates a steadfast inward strength and style, reminding me that we often find our best selves through life’s twists, turns, tests, and trials. As mentioned in my opening quote, “We don’t overcome challenges by making them smaller. We overcome challenges by making ourselves bigger.”

Intentionally Own It: Being intentional about personal growth will change your life. Consider asking yourself, “What am I growing in right now?”  “And how is this making a difference for me?” “And how is it making a difference for the people around me?”