We Are Growth-Seekers. (A Manifesto)

There are three kinds of people in this world. You’ll see them everywhere: in the workplace, in your community, in churches, or peer groups. Wherever you go, whatever you do for a living, these three people exist. And it’s easy to identify them because their behaviors, way of thinking, and drivers are distinct.

These people are:

  • Passive Dreamers (Passive Perry);
  • Egoistic Achievers (Egoistic Eddie); and
  • Growth Seekers (Growing Gina)

The Passive Dreamers (Passive Perry)

Passive Perry believes in the saying that “good things happen to those who wait.” But he ignores the other half of the quote: “…but only the things left by those who hustle.” At least that’s what Abraham Lincoln said.

He’s got vague dreams, goals, and ambitions in life. Goes to YouTube and from time to time, watches motivational videos. But rarely does Passive Perry ever grow his intrinsic motivation.

He’s dissatisfied with his life and his accomplishments so far, but he’s okay with it. Come what may, he says! He thinks that others succeed because they’re “privileged” and “lucky.” But discounts the fact that successful and fulfilled people work their hearts out in private.

The Egoistic Achievers (Egoistic Eddie)

Egoistic Eddie is highly accomplished. He sets high goals and hits them. He’s driven, skillful, and on his way to the top. The problem is, Eddie puts his accomplishments to his head. His mind is closed off to the suggestions, ideas, and point of views of other people. He thinks he’s always right.

When he hits his goals, he’s got an “achiever’s high” for a few hours. Then it fades away and so he sets bigger goals. He’s addicted to achieving things, never evaluating if the things he does really matter to him. Never stopping to celebrate his wins in life. As a result, he’s overworked, overspread, and discontented.

Eddie also has unrealistic expectations from other people. He expects them to know him because of what he’s accomplished in his life. In his mind, he thinks, “Don’t you know who I am?!”

The Growth-Seekers (Growing Gina)

Growing Gina has an insatiable hunger for an inspired life. She’s curious and she follows her curiosity. And she does this without compromising lifelong fulfillment for short-term happiness.

Growth-seekers are the few “weird ones” who excel (and want to excel) in their jobs not just for the sake of salary. They seek to contribute. They are assets… people who make things happen.

While others let their success fill their mind with ego, that’s not us. People like us, like Growing Gina, know that we achieve remarkable things only by standing on the shoulders of giants. Those who’ve come before us and paved a way. 

We know we’re not perfect. And sometimes, we find ourselves lost, too. Clueless with what we need to do or how to move forward. But like Growing Gina, we’re searching. We’re looking for ways to improve and that’s what’s really important.

That’s why we don’t settle for “what is.” While others are comfortable with the status quo, we look ahead and see “what can be.” It’s a matter of defining and designing a personal vision. One so vividly created that it pulls us to its completion.

People like us invest in our personal development because we want to achieve our full potential. After all, it’s an investment no one can ever take away from us.

Growth-seekers like us go on a lifelong journey towards self-discovery. Seeking to know what on Earth we’re here for. And then living life in alignment with that. 

She focuses on her strengths and works to make them better. Yes, she (we) have weaknesses. And no, she doesn’t dwell in them. Because Gina knows that spending her life trying to better her weaknesses will only lead to a life of better weaknesses. But making her strengths better lead to something great; exceptional even. 

We don’t just leave situations because it’s toxic. Or because we’re surrounded by toxic people. We grow through it. Learn the lessons these people and situations offer. And once we outgrow it, it’s time to move on.

We don’t talk about or gossip behind people’s backs. Instead, we focus on sharing ideas. Ideas that matter. Ideas that make our lives better. Because ideas are the starting point of every great thing.

We believe that character is shaped, not developed. It’s more of a sculpture than a painting. That’s why growth is painful. It forces us to be uncomfortable for a while so we can be strong in our lifetime.

We work to keep our fire burning so we may light the fire of others. Leaving a trail of lasting legacies of people touching other people’s hearts. 

Our measure of life is not about how happy we are. After all, we can make choices that will make us happy for the meantime but will mess us for a lifetime. We don’t use a better stick… we use a different one. 

We measure our life based on how fulfilled we are. A by-product of doing two things:

  1. Progress on the right things (our priorities); and
  2. Contribution to the life of others

Because there will be times when we find ourselves unhappy with our failures and mistakes. Or get bored with the right things. And while others think about leaving because they’re unhappy, we simply go back and remind ourselves that the work we do matters.

We are growth-seekers. The rare, few breeds of people who make the world a better place.

If you’re one of us (or want to be one), stick around. Read the blog. And see if what we have to offer can make your life better. 

I’ll see you around. 

Live an inspired life, 

Jeric Timbang