Where do I go from here?
“A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.” — Mark Twain
Acknowledging, in the context of a growth mindset, means recognizing where you currently stand without viewing it as your final destination. It’s not about accepting limitations, but about seeing them clearly as a starting point for progress.
Welcome to the Journey, Mavericks
Welcome to Becoming Maverick. If you're here, you’re likely someone who questions the status quo and seeks ways to grow—someone who doesn’t settle. That’s what this space is all about challenging ourselves to move forward, not just by leaps, but through small, meaningful steps. And today, I want to share something I’ve been reflecting on—something that I believe can resonate with all of us on this journey.
The Struggle with Acceptance
Lately, I’ve been wrestling with the idea of acceptance. When life takes a turn for the worse, or even when something great happens, I’ve often been told, "You need to accept it and move on." But that never quite sat right with me. How can I be expected to accept a situation, especially if I’m in distress? Acceptance can feel like a dead end—a resignation to circumstances that might feel completely wrong or limiting.
Even Success Can Feel Limiting
Interestingly, I’ve found that this struggle with acceptance doesn’t only happen in difficult times. When I achieve something, people often say, “You're awesome—please stay as you are!” But this feels like another form of limitation. I believe in continuous growth, and the idea of staying the same contradicts that. Success isn’t a point of completion—it’s a foundation for more growth.
The Power of Acknowledgment
What I’ve been exploring instead is the concept of acknowledgement. This feels different from acceptance. Acknowledgement allows me to recognize where I am without feeling confined to it. It gives me the freedom to say, “This is my starting point,” and from there, I can envision my next steps. Acknowledging a situation, whether it’s good or bad, feels empowering. It means I’m aware of my reality without being defined by it.
Acknowledgement as a Starting Point
Recently, I’ve written about the power of believing aggressively and transforming weeds into progress. Acknowledgement is part of this process. It is the starting point of any journey. It’s an act of awareness that allows me to map out my future, even in the middle of chaos or success. By acknowledging the status quo, I’m able to decide what comes next. I can evolve, adapt, and make progress rather than stay stagnant.
Growth Isn’t Static
The way I see it, personal growth is rarely about massive leaps forward. It’s more about small, steady steps. Acknowledgement is the first step. It’s realizing that growth is a continuous journey, and staying static—whether in success or struggle—doesn’t move us forward. By acknowledging where I am today, I create the space to grow into who I want to be tomorrow.
Slowing Down to Move Forward
There’s a song I love called Breathe Slow by Mars Ill. It reminds me to slow down when life feels overwhelming. That ties directly into acknowledgement for me. When I’m in the thick of it—whether it’s stress, confusion, or even success—acknowledging what’s happening helps me pause and breathe. It’s in that moment of pause where I can see the possibilities ahead, even if they aren’t immediately clear.
A Journey of Acknowledgment
I’m still navigating this concept, but I’ve found that acknowledgement allows me to move through life with more intention. Acceptance has its place, but acknowledgement feels like the tool I need to keep growing, to keep expanding. It’s about recognizing where I am, but always looking forward to what’s next.
Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Does acknowledgement resonate with you? How do you approach moments of struggle or success? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below and let’s continue exploring this journey together.
Shalom!
Thank You for Your Generosity
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