Yearning to learn and grow is central to who we are, yet there are many things in our life that block us from growing into a better version of ourselves. We are holding so many things: trying to be good at our jobs, within treasured relationships, and also taking care of ourselves in the process. There never seems to be enough time in the day.

When we get overwhelmed with life or our work situation, we stay in our comfort zone which is surrounded by fears that hold us back. But beyond those fears are the real nuggets of learning and eventual growth that we need to feel fulfilled.

This week we talk about the Opportunity for Growth, which is the fifth and final part of the US Surgeon General’s Framework for Mental Health and Wellbeing. This Essential rests on the human needs of learning and a sense of accomplishment. Learning is the process of acquiring new skills and knowledge in the workplace, and accomplishment is the outcome of meeting goals and having an impact.

We can develop horizontally, meaning we can expand to deepen our existing or new skills and knowledge, or vertically which means that we develop ourselves deeper into who we are and show up in the world. In this episode we’ll talk about the four zones that we need to manage in our everyday lives, how we can expand both outward and upward, and what our workplaces can do to support us in our own growth to reach new levels of accomplishment.

Reference Materials:

Cook-Greuter, Susanne R. (2004). “Making the case for developmental perspective.” Industrial and Commercial Training, 36 (7). http://www.verticaldevelopment.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/1.-Cook-Greuter-Making-the-case-for-a-developmental-perspective.pdf

Kegan, Robert (1998). “In Over Our Heads: The Mental Demands of Modern Life.” Harvard University Press.

https://www.amazon.com/Over-Our-Heads-Mental-Demands/dp/0674445880

Loevinger, Jane (1976). “Ego Development: Conceptions and Theories.” Joseey-Bass. , Jane Loevinger, 1976

(https://www.amazon.com/Ego-Development-Conceptions-Jossey-Bass-Behavioral/dp/0875892752)

Torbert, William (2004). “Action Inquiry: The Secret of Timely and Transforming Leadership.” Barrett-Koehler Publishers.

https://www.amazon.com/Action-Inquiry-Secret-Transforming-Leadership/dp/157675264X

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Amy J. Wilson designs worlds where every person gets what they need, the power to achieve what they want, and the agency to do what they love. She is the bestselling author of Empathy for Change: How to Build a More Understanding World: https://www.amazon.com/Empathy-Change-Create-Understanding-World, a guide to create positive transformation where we work, live, and play. Grab a copy anywhere books are sold or the audiobook on Audible.

Kevin A.K.A Captain Empathy is the Founder and CEO of Jaago (means to wake-up in Hindi). Jaago’s vision is to create a world where people seek to understand one another by making empathy a daily habit. He is a tech leader and IOT (Internet of Things) pioneer and expert. He brings practical experience, lived experience, and his transparent growth journey to the podcast.

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