There are two basic ways to see growth: One as a product, the
other as a process. People have (36) viewed personal growth
as an external result or product that can easily be identified and
measured. By contrast, the process of personal growth is much
more difficult to determine, since by (37) it is a journey
and not the specific signposts or landmarks along the way. The process is not
the road itself, but rather the attitudes and feelings people have, their
caution or courage, as they (38) new experiences and
unexpected (39) In this process, the journey never really
ends; there are always new ways to (40) the world, new ideas
to try, new challenges to accept. In order to grow, to travel new roads, people
need to have a (41) to take risks, to (42)
the unknown, and to accept the possibility that they may "fail" at
first. How we see ourselves as we try a new way of being is (43)
to our ability to grow. Do we perceive ourselves as quick and
curious (44) Do we think we’re shy and indecisive
(45) Do we think we’re slow to adapt to change or that we’re not
smart enough to cope with a new challenge Then we are likely to take a more
passive role or not try at all. (46) If we
do not confront and overcome these internal fears and doubts, if we protect
ourselves too much, then we cease to grow. We become trapped inside a shell of
our own making.