8 signs you’ve grown as a person, even if it doesn’t always feel like it

Personal growth isn’t always a straightforward journey. Sometimes, it’s hard to see just how far we’ve come.

As Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit, I’ve learned that growth often comes in subtle shifts, not grand transformations. Quite often, we’re evolving in ways we don’t even realize.

In this article, I’m going to share with you eight signs that you’ve grown as a person. My goal is to help you identify your own growth, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

Take a moment to reflect and appreciate your journey with me.

Let’s dive in.

1) You’re comfortable with solitude

Personal growth often starts from the inside out. A key sign of this kind of growth is gaining comfort in solitude.

There’s a big difference between being lonely and enjoying your own company. If you’ve noticed that you’re okay being alone, that’s a sure sign of growth.

In solitude, we are faced with our true selves, free from the distractions and influences of others. This can be confronting, but it’s also where inner strength and resilience are built.

Being comfortable in solitude means you’ve learned to rely on yourself for happiness rather than seeking it from external sources. It means you’ve grown to understand and appreciate who you truly are.

It might not always feel like growth, but trust me, it is. Embrace this newfound comfort in solitude, and see it for what it is – a sign of personal growth.

2) You accept change with grace

Change is a fundamental part of life. There’s no escaping it. But how you respond to change can say a lot about your personal growth.

In the past, you might have resisted change, viewed it as a threat or a source of discomfort. But part of growing as a person is recognizing that change is not only inevitable, but it’s often beneficial.

If you’ve found yourself accepting change with more grace, understanding that it’s an opportunity for growth rather than a disruption, then you’ve grown as a person.

This acceptance isn’t about giving up or surrendering, but rather understanding that the only constant in life is change itself. This level of acceptance shows maturity and inner strength.

3) You’ve learned to say ‘no’

This one might seem simple, but it’s a biggie for personal growth. It was certainly a game-changer for me.

Early in my journey, I found myself saying ‘yes’ to everything. Whether it was a social event I had no interest in or an extra project at work, I was continually over-extending myself to please others. It was exhausting and left little time for my own interests and needs.

But with time, I’ve learned the power of saying ‘no’. And if you’ve started to do the same, you’ve undoubtedly grown.

Saying ‘no’ means you’re prioritizing your own wellbeing, and recognizing that your time and energy are valuable. It’s about setting boundaries and respecting your own needs as much as others’.

4) You’ve developed mental toughness

Building mental toughness is a crucial aspect of personal growth. This isn’t about never showing emotion or pretending that everything is okay when it’s not. It’s about resilience and the ability to bounce back from adversity.

If you’ve noticed that you’re better at weathering life’s storms, that you’re able to cope with stress and adversity without crumbling, then you’ve grown more than you may realize.

Part of this development comes from understanding that setbacks are a part of life and they don’t define you. You’ve learned to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep going.

In my book The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness, I delve deeper into how to build this kind of resilience. It’s an exploration of strategies and practical tips for strengthening your mental toughness.

If you’re responding to life’s challenges with more resilience and grit, that’s a clear sign of your personal growth. Keep going, you’re doing great!

5) You’re not afraid to ask for help

This might seem counter-intuitive. After all, isn’t personal growth about becoming more independent? Yes, but it’s also about recognizing that you don’t have to do everything on your own.

In fact, asking for help when you need it is a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows that you’re self-aware enough to recognize your limitations and humble enough to admit them.

We all need help sometimes. Whether it’s asking for advice on a tricky situation or seeking support during a tough time, reaching out to others is a part of being human.

It means you’ve learned the importance of connection and collaboration in navigating life’s challenges.

6) You’re more patient

Patience is a virtue, and it’s also a sign of personal growth.

Life is full of waiting periods, whether it’s waiting for a job promotion, a relationship to blossom, or personal goals to be reached. And how we handle these waiting periods says a lot about our growth.

If you’ve noticed you’re more patient during these times, that’s a great sign. It shows that you’ve grown to understand and appreciate the journey, not just the destination.

You’re learning that good things take time, and that rushing through life doesn’t necessarily bring fulfillment or happiness. This newfound patience is a clear indication of your personal growth.

7) You’re kinder to yourself

We are often our own harshest critics. I know I’ve been guilty of this in the past. But as I’ve grown, I’ve realized the importance of self-compassion.

If you’ve found yourself being kinder to yourself, that’s a significant sign of personal growth.

Perhaps you’re more forgiving of your mistakes, or you’re gentler with yourself when you’re going through a tough time. Maybe you’re prioritizing self-care more or speaking to yourself with more kindness and respect.

These are all signs that you’re learning to treat yourself with the same compassion and kindness that you extend to others. It’s a beautiful thing and a clear indication that you’ve grown as a person.

8) Your relationships are healthier

Personal growth isn’t just about our relationship with ourselves, it’s also about how we interact with others.

If you’ve noticed that your relationships are healthier, more balanced and respectful, then you’ve certainly grown as a person.

Perhaps you’re setting better boundaries, or you’re communicating more effectively. Maybe you’re choosing healthier relationships and leaving toxic ones behind.

All these changes indicate that you’re growing in emotional intelligence and self-esteem. You’re learning to value yourself and demand the respect you deserve in your relationships.

This improvement in your relationships is a strong sign of personal growth. It shows that you’re not only growing as an individual but also in your capacity to connect and relate with others.

Conclusion

Personal growth is a journey, not a destination. It’s about becoming better, stronger, and more self-aware with each passing day. If you recognise any of these signs in your life, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re growing more than you realize.

Remember, growth is often subtle and comes in stages. It might not always feel like you’re making progress, but these small shifts add up over time.

For those interested in fostering this growth further, I invite you to check out my book The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness. It offers practical tips and strategies to help you build resilience and foster personal growth.

Above all, remember to be patient with yourself. Growth takes time. Keep going on your journey and celebrate every step forward. You’re doing great!