Learning vs. Growing: What to Look for and Watch Out For

Learning vs. Growing: Understanding the Difference

Why do we sometimes still feel stuck? Why aren’t we seeing the changes we long for? In today’s fast-paced world, I feel like we’re all constantly absorbing information—through books, podcasts, social media, and more. We live in an era of information overload. It can feel like we’re constantly learning, but here’s the catch: learning doesn’t always lead to growth. Learning is like collecting tools, but if we don’t use those tools to build something meaningful, we’re not actually growing. Growth is action. Growth goes beyond understanding new concepts—it’s about applying them to our lives. In today’s episode, I dig into the difference between learning and growing, the signs of real growth, and why this journey, while challenging, is always transformative. It’s when we take what we’ve learned and put it into practice—whether it’s setting boundaries, shifting our inner dialogue, or making decisions that align with our values. True growth shows up in our behaviors and emotions. I call these shifts “growth symptoms.”

Recognizing Growth Symptoms

I discuss that just like physical symptoms alert us to changes in our bodies, growth symptoms are indicators of inner transformation. I’ve experienced these firsthand—moments when I felt more self-aware or had those “aha” moments that shifted my perspective. Sometimes, I notice changes in my priorities, or I feel the need to refresh my environment—whether it’s my wardrobe, my home, or even my relationships. Growth isn’t always smooth or enjoyable. Often, it can feel uncomfortable, and that’s okay. Feeling off, irritable, or uncertain? Those emotions are part of the growth process, too.

Personal Insight

I open up about my journey and as I recount my own struggles, I invite you to reflect on how you’ve grown, even if it hasn’t always been comfortable. From anxiety to resilience, my greatest accomplishment has been embracing growth as an ongoing journey, not a destination. 

Growth is ever-evolving.

Sometimes, just when I think I’ve arrived, life throws me another curveball. With the world feeling unpredictable, it’s hard to find our place when everything feels upside down. But here’s the thing I believe about us humans: we’re resilient. Our ability to take adversity, integrate it, and turn it into something meaningful is our greatest strength.

For me, surviving life’s challenges is my greatest accomplishment. When I look back, I see how each hardship, each moment of pain and confusion, led to growth. So, I encourage you to look at your life—not just at what you’ve learned, but how you’ve grown through the process.

Growth is Incremental and Unique to Each of Us

Growth can’t be forced, and it doesn’t happen overnight. Just like I can’t make a plant grow faster by pulling on it, I can’t rush my own inner growth. It’s incremental, happening from the inside out. I’ve had to accept that everyone grows at their own pace. Some of us are late bloomers, while others seem ahead of their time, but growth is deeply personal.

This understanding doesn’t just apply to myself but also to those around me. I can’t force someone else to grow or argue them into transformation. Acceptance is key—both of myself and of others.

Creating a Nurturing Environment for Growth

I want you to also know that the space we surround ourselves with, both physically and mentally, plays a crucial role in our growth. A nurturing environment encourages growth, while a toxic one can stifle it. And it’s not just about my home, work, or social environment—my mind is the most important space I need to nurture. When I create a healthy mental space, I give myself the freedom to grow.

Embracing the Process

One of the biggest reminders I keep close is that struggle is a natural part of growth. It doesn’t always feel good, but I’ve learned that it’s essential to lean into those moments of discomfort. I let myself feel the overwhelm, the fear, and even the anger. I allow myself to “cave in”—not in the sense of giving up, but to process and move through it. This is where real transformation happens, where growth becomes a part of who I am.

Reflection Exercise

As you move through your week, embrace where you are and lean into the challenges, knowing they’re leading you toward greater authenticity, and take a moment to reflect. 

• What symptoms of growth have you observed in yourself?
• Where have you felt challenged or uncomfortable recently, and how might that signal growth?
• How can you create a nurturing environment for your growth?
• How have you evolved, and what areas are you still working through? 

Final Thoughts

Remember…

• Learning and growth are distinct; true growth happens when knowledge is put into action.
• Growth symptoms may feel unsettling but are signs of transformation.
• Creating a supportive environment for yourself fosters deeper, more sustainable growth.

 Growth doesn’t always mean constant forward motion. Sometimes, it’s in those quiet moments of reflection where I discover the most about myself.

You don’t have to walk this path alone. We’re all growing, evolving, and finding our way together.