Make it an amazing week, friend!

March 14, 2024

Can you get addicted to “growth”?

When we talk about 'addiction,' it's not always about drugs or alcohol. My most recent podcast episode is about a different kind of addiction and got me thinking about the way we become addicted to other things…even our quest for growth and development.

It's about an insidious mindset that can seep into every aspect of our lives, including our professional and personal growth. But here's the twist: what if our relentless pursuit of success, productivity, or even leadership excellence, could morph into its own form of addiction?

Yes, you heard me… Our society often glorifies the grind, the hustle, the never-ending quest for more. But when does this ceaseless pursuit become a runaway train, leading us away from fulfillment and, paradoxically, towards potential ruin?

Addiction, in any form, thrives on the highs and lows of life. It brings out the different hurts and traumas we have repressed in our lives. It latches onto our desires for achievement, recognition, and even connection, turning these inherently positive aspirations into potential pitfalls. The danger lies not in the ambition itself but in allowing that ambition to overshadow our core values, relationships, and well-being.

Consider the leader who sacrifices everything at the altar of success. Lord knows I probably veered a little too close to that line earlier in my career. They might achieve remarkable milestones, but at what cost? Burnout, estrangement, a loss of self? When the pursuit of a goal becomes all consuming, it blinds us to the richness of the journey and the learning embedded in our setbacks.

Life is like rolling valley of our ups and downs. It's in this landscape that growth happens. True leadership and a growth mindset are about navigating these waves with grace, learning from every crest and trough, and maintaining our sense of “true north” that keeps our ambitions and well-being in balance.

The stark reality is that unchecked addictions, whether to substances, behaviors, or even success, can lead to a profound loss. Loss of relationships, opportunities, and in severe cases, everything we've worked hard to build. It's a sobering thought, one that necessitates introspection and, oftentimes, courageous changes in our life trajectories.

So, here's a call to action for all of us:

Are we monitoring our own ambitions to ensure they don't cross over into addiction?

Are we being a voice of reason to those who we are supporting that may be experiencing something like this?

Are we cultivating lives rich in meaning, balance, and genuine connection, or are we teetering on the edge of losing sight of what truly matters?

Take inventory of how you are doing in these areas. And if you need to…get to work!

A quote that I've been sitting with this week:

Evoke Greatness Podcast: Latest Episode

Ep. 96 Triumph Over Temptation & the Quest for True Self-Worth with Ian Mai

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What if our inner faith could be the compass to guide us away from addiction's fierce grip?

This laid the foundation for an unforgettable conversation with men's health coach, Ian Mai, on our latest podcast episode. Together, we venture into the heart of addiction recovery, where Ian's personal triumph over pornography addiction shines as a beacon of hope. His remarkable transformation from struggle to strength, and filled with faith, lays out an invaluable roadmap for anyone longing to align their actions with their true values, amid a world brimming with pressure and chaos.

We wade deeper into the waters of self-discovery and authentic living through his story of resilience. It's a tale of how the iron discipline of bodybuilding became the unexpected ally in Ian's fight against addictive urges, sculpting not just muscle, but a robust sense of self-worth and a fresh perspective on success. Our dialogue unfolds to reveal the creation of practical tools designed to fortify men in their journey towards self-improvement by leaning on the pillars of self-reflection, mentorship, and the serene practice of meditation. Ian and I peel back the layers on what it means to create a safe space for healing, where transparency paves the way to transformation.

This episode with a clear message to embrace change wholeheartedly, as we invite you to conversation of life enriched by connection, growth, and a profound freedom from addiction's chains.

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