I have been struggling with an on again/off again cold for the last few weeks. Varied symptoms,  re-occuring here and there, seemingly just to throw a wrench in my day.  I push through, green smoothies my weapon of choice, along with a handful of vitamins and extra hours of sleep worked into my schedule.

And all the time, through my head, the same cycle of thoughts is shouting at me “HERE WE GO AGAIN”.

See, I know this stage. I understand why I keep catching bugs and colds, I know what is on the road ahead and how many steps it will probably take me to complete this “level” of my life.

I am approaching critical mass, yet again… and despite the pile of tissues beside my desk and the evening fevers that tuck me into bed at 8, I welcome it.

This is the painful stage of growth that we all must endure to be able to advance.  Growth hurts.. it is challenging and exhausting. Stressful and overwhelming.

But these “pain points” help us see weaknesses in our structure and routine, and if we are strong leaders and logical business owners, we put processes into place to eliminate or “reduce” these pain points… and then we come through this critical mass stage better, bigger and stronger than before.

At least, until we hit another growth spurt.

I watch my kids as they grow and change.  How one week our family food consumption sky rockets and we are unable to keep food in the fridge. Our kids eat and sleep. And sometimes growl angrily from then caves.

But a few short (and painful) weeks later they emerge like a butterfly, 2 inches taller and ready to take on the world.

Growth is uncomfortable, but necessary. Growth demands change… it messes with our happy routine, it pushes our buttons forcing a reaction.  It is exhausting and overwhelming, and the only option is to submit.

I am reaching critical mass, my body is telling me I am, my brain is SHOUTING it, and my team is passively, but systemically letting me know as well.

But it’s ok… but we know we have reached a limit.
and we are prepared.

Go. Grow. Push your boundaries. Make life uncomfortable. Find your critical mass and then PUSH PAST it.

See what you can do….