Sometimes you read something that shakes you to the very core. This happened to me earlier this week. I was reminded of a quote: “You’re either growing or dying“.

Wow. Talk about humbling. This quote just lays it out there.

This quote comes from a lesson observed by Plato while under the mentorship of Socrates. While Socrates asserted the nature of existence consisted of three stages – to grow, become stable and to decay – Plato concluded there are actually only two states of existence: growth and decay. While these two states can exist at different rates – slow and fast – they are mutually exclusive. You can’t have one without the other and you can’t have both at the same time.

To me, this is interesting. I hear about so many people looking for balance and stability. I’m sure you’ve heard it as well, “I’d love a more stable relationship” or “If my job was just more stable”. Unfortunately, stability is a fleeting illusion. It’s a temporary bit of comfort that comes and goes just as quickly. The reality is that you can’t be truly comfortable without slipping into remission. Bummer, I know.

Being open to opportunity is one of the first steps toward growth. You’d be surprised at how many times a day an opportunity is right in front of you. Most of the time it is in plain sight, just overlooked. Sometimes opportunities wear the disguise of change. This can be a little scary; however, this disguise is generally more ominous than it actually is.

Moving toward growth takes a conscious effort. It’s totally worth it though. Don’t get too comfortable. Never settle for mediocrity. Above all else, don’t forget where you’ve come from and where you’re going.