8 Great Ways to Support Your Growth

I was walking along the streets of New York the other day, when I noticed a business sign posted in a construction zone.  It said, 'Spring Scaffolding'.

These two words immediately conjured up a couple of ideas. 

The first word is obvious: we're entering the Spring season.  As I walk around, I see Spring showing itself in the bulb flowers that are poking through the soil and little green buds on the mostly bare tree branches.

Now, the second word, 'scaffolding', is of particular interest to me. 

This last year, I took a human development psych class.  The term 'scaffolding' was defined as a method of helping younger people develop and learn with adult support (scaffolding) around them until it is gradually not needed anymore.

Scaffolding enables a child to go to a higher level than they could do on their own.

Think of staking a tomato plant to hold it up while it grows.  You can't make it grow, but you can certainly support it to grow well.

Borrowing from this idea, let's apply it to you and your life transitions and personal growth.

How can you support yourself in your visions, dreams, and goals?

Perhaps you committed to a course of action for 2011. You decided to drop the extra weight, change your eating habits, exercise, complete a home project, or launch a new business.

Whatever it is, assess your level of commitment and accomplishment so far.

If you determine that you aren't moving forward in the way that you would like, consider that you may need to erect some scaffolding. 

Here are a few helpful support structures:

1. Habits
Instill new rituals and habits to ensure that you consistently address your goals.  For instance, set aside one day a week to work on your finances.  Make an appointment with yourself and keep it.  Or take ten minutes every morning to write down your goals and intentions for the day.
2. Journal
Keeping a journal is a great way to brainstorm, process your journey, and have a record to review what you've accomplished and how you got there.
3. Post reminder notes
Putting messages around your environment can stimulate you to keep your focus on your goals.  There are times that you may forget or feel lethargic.  The notes can remind you that you actually do want something in your life.
4. Buddy or Coach
When you enlist a Buddy or a Coach in your life, you can break out of your internal conversation and have accountability, processing, and companionship in your journey.
5. Clinics and classes
Stay in a life of learning.  If you want to write a book, consider taking courses that teach you how to write and actually have you write a book for an assignment.
6. Support groups
Find a group of people that are in the same conversation that you are in.  For instance, weight loss groups are very helpful for many people.  There are even groups online!
7. Make Exercise Fun
One of my clients loves to read and takes a fun page turner with her to the gym.  She's only allowed to read it at the gym.  So, if she wants to know what happens next...guess what she has to do?  Find activities that make you happy.  There are so many wonderful things to do besides a dreaded exercise routine.
8. Reward yourself
Human beings respond to treats aka positive reinforcement.  Give yourself a prize when you accomplish goals.  You can even reward mini-goals with mini-treats. 

Can you think of some other helpful ways to support yourself?  Be creative!

Try some Spring Scaffolding and set yourself up to grow strong and tall.