When I was a child, I used to hate moving. Growing up in a military family we basically moved every two to three years. I was blessed with amazing parents, but even then it was really rough on me. As a child it’s hard to understand reasons why our families have to do certain things, and having to leave all my friends and start all over in a new place was hard. Now as an adult, I look back on those experiences with a little different perspective. I remember how I felt and how it was sometimes very difficult for me, but I also see how those lessons in moving on have helped shaped my successes in life.
People are products of their environments. Our perspectives and opinions are shaped by those surrounding us, and as we get older it becomes even more clear. Case in point, many people will realize how much they are like their parents as they grow older. Having a deeper understanding of how your childhood experiences have shaped your current behaviors is an important step in analyzing yourself. It can be a hard exercise at times since no one wants to be critical of themselves or the things that they are used to.
Most of the time, people with a broader experience base are quicker to adapt and succeed in a new environment. This is due to the experience factor. Just like anything else, if you’ve been through something before you have a higher degree of comfort the next time you have to go through it. In addition to being comfortable, the prior experience gives you the confidence to be able to get through the tough times while adjusting. Rarely does a big change go smooth with no issues, and sometimes you will reach lows that will make you doubt yourself and your decision. Those are the times that you have to be the strongest and having been through it before gives you the knowledge that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel if you can stick it out.
What I’ve learned throughout my life is that the biggest growth in my knowledge has always come after a big move or change. I’ve moved 8 times and lived in 4 states and 2 countries, and I can honestly say that after some tough times every step has turned out better than the one preceding it. It can be hard to separate yourself from your comfort zone in life, and that’s the reason many people would rather stay in the same place and only do what they know. For some, that is the life they want and that is fine. But for me, staying in one place doing the same old things wouldn’t be enough. Maybe my military childhood is so ingrained in me that now I seek change after a while just because I’m used to it and I’ve thrived with it.
Being able to have the strength to let go and the courage to try something new is the key to personal growth. We can easily sit and talk about all the things we know, but why not spend that time learning new things. Having that broader perspective helps you in so many facets of your life including your relationships, your family, your work, and your money. A person that is able to see a situation from another’s perspective will always have the advantage. Being able to call upon that added insight allows you to handle just about any situation that comes your way.
