Throughout our life we will comes across many challenges, from micro ones to huge, life-changing ones. It is up to us to control how we move forward from these upsets and choose to grow, instead of fall.

Recently I have had some tough news at work, and my immediate thoughts were “I’ve failed”. If you know me, it won’t come as a surprise to you that I cried and screamed about it, before I began to think level-headed.

I haven’t failed. This is just another challenge. I am so passionate about personal growth and drive, and to be in a place right now where this has been halted, has angered me.

Do I give in to those self-sabotaging thoughts that I’ve failed? No. Do I allow myself to feel those emotions? Yes. Feeling emotions – even the bad ones – gives us the space we need to understand how we are feeling. I mean this in your own time, not shouting at work or with your family. Take your time to unravel your thoughts, and how you believe is the best way to come out of this situation – full intact.

I’m not failing, I’m growing. That’s a motto to live by.

I could sit around and moan about what has happened – now and in the past – or I can choose to move forward, and use this as a lesson and experience to power me through into my future and beyond.

On the note of growth and ambition, I encourage you to be surrounded by people – both at work and in your personal life – who foster these things. People who want you to grow, who take on board your ideas and advice, who enjoy your company, who encourage you to succeed, and who ultimately admire your drive. This is the life I choose for myself, not to be pushed down by other people who don’t share this passion.

And I beg you to do the same. If you are in a place right now that isn’t fostering personal or professional growth, get out of it. You can make choices for yourself, you know. And hey, this decision may be hard right now, and it may feel like you’re making the wrong one, but as long as it aligns with who you are, and the future you want for yourself, take it.

Be brave and choose growth over stagnant. It’s your choice.