Who we are today is the direct result of our thoughts, words and actions of the past. Who we will become in the future will be the result of our thoughts, words and actions today.

If we want to grow into more than we are today, something must change. So, the questions to be asked are: “Who, what or where do you want to be in the future?” and “What must change in order for you to get there?”

The laws of nature determine that, like that of a tree, our growth is inevitable and unstoppable! We can grow by choice or we can have it forced upon us by painful, sometimes traumatic experiences such as job loss, bankruptcy, illness, divorce and so on. If we try to inhibit our growth in some way, possibly by avoiding challenges, ignoring obstacles, or by defending our negative behaviors, we will tend to suffer adverse consequences physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually or all of the above.

Change is also inevitable and unstoppable. Who among us have ever been brought to our knees by an issue or experience that has caused us to reflect on our behavior and make changes? How many of those changes lasted? Many of us resist change. It can be scary, unknown, worrisome and uncertain. But resisting change is rather like building a dam across a river. Sooner or later, change will force itself upon us and we will likely experience the pain and trauma of having the river of change suddenly flood us with whatever we have been avoiding or resisting.

As we may know, or have learned, it can be difficult, or impossible, to change others, and it may be impractical to change our environment. However, there is always something about ourselves that we can change, if we are willing.

What do you want to change? How will you make the change?

What if there was a way to facilitate our own growth and change elegantly and gracefully? What if a simple tool was developed that allowed us to embrace growth and change in small, manageable pieces? One that allowed us to become accustomed to, and accept, growth and change as a normal part of life in a comfortable and nurturing way?

The GROW Principle is such a tool. It is based on the ancient and ageless wisdom of spiritual masters from the past combined with essential present day knowledge from today=s most respected leaders in the psychological, motivational, coaching and self-development fields. It has been taught at UCLA Extension and at ICF (International Coach Federation) as a coaching tool, as well as to individuals and groups as a tool for self-mastery. The GROW Principle is easy to remember and even easier to use.

It is based on two powerful fundamentals:

The first is the power of words. Sigmund Freud said, “Words have magical power. They have the power to create the greatest delight or the deepest despair.” As we become aware of our language, of the words we use, we can make the modifications or adjustments that will contribute significantly to the changes we choose to make.

The second is the power of the present moment. The 14th Century German mystic, Meister Eckhart said, “There exists only the present instant... A now which always and without end is itself new. There is no yesterday nor any tomorrow, but only now, as it was a thousand years ago and as it will be a thousand years hence.” With our energy fully invested in the present moment, we are operating with our optimal power.

The GROW Principle uses the power of words and the present moment to bring about growth, transformation and self-mastery. By the end of a workshop, you will have the tools to help make growth and change more intentional and sustaining.

The word GROW in The GROW Principle is an acronym that describes the 4 pillars on which it stands.

“G” is for Gratitude. When we delve into thankfulness, appreciation and acknowledgement, immersing ourselves there and view everything in our lives through the lens of gratitude, our perspective shifts and we start to view our lives, those around us and our circumstances differently than we may have otherwise been doing. I invite many of my coaching clients to dwell in gratitude for the first weeks of our coaching relationship and in every case they notice a greater feeling of well-being and happiness, almost immediately.

“R” is for Release. It is here that we let go, detach from or otherwise dispense with negative behaviors, harmful or destructive attitudes and self-defeating thoughts that may be causing blocks to the progress we would like to see occurring in our lives. Many times something as simple as changing a word or two in the way we speak can have an instant positive effect on the very next moment.

“O” is for Openness. By being open and receptive to new ideas, habits and behaviors, we begin to initiate change. We explore our dreams and visions for the future and consider various goals and objectives that we’d like to accomplish. Anything is possible when we are open and it is here that we embrace our true limitless nature.

“W” is for Willingness. Here we invoke the power of our will to make decisions, commitments and take action. This is where the rubber meets the road and we put the wheels in motion. We draw upon the information gathered from the previous 3 steps and make choices about what actions must be taken and we commit to taken those action steps.

In summary, when we practice Gratitude and Release we become much more present in the moment and gain access the power and energy associated with present moment consciousness. When we practice Openness and Willingness we are taking clear, definitive steps into the future. A future that we have chosen, rather than it choosing us!

Other benefits of applying The GROW Principle include, lowering stress levels by helping to eliminate behaviors that may be limiting or self-sabotaging, while raising energy levels by causing shifts in perspectives that bring attention to the positive aspects of our lives.

Practicing The GROW Principle can also serve to improve relationships at home and work, help restore self-esteem and strengthen our resolve to move into action. In the work place it can lead to a change in the culture of the entire corporation, or simply shift the attitude of one employee toward another.

The GROW Principle is a tool that can be quickly learned and powerfully implemented regarding almost any situation or set of circumstances. It requires no special skills, knowledge or resources, other than those that are already available to us all. While it is most effective when facilitated one-on-one, with couples or in group situations, any individual can gain significant benefit from absorbing the principles and participating in the exercises presented at a GROW Principle workshop or teleclass. To embark on your own GROW journey, go to www.inthemoment.net and take your free “GROW” test. For daily inspiration, sign up for our free Daily Affirmations and Quotes.

As a direct outcome of his own personal journey of exploration, growth and transformation, he has developed a simple and powerful body of work known as The GROW Principle. It can be applied to facilitate the growth and transformation of business, individuals and couples and has been being taught at UCLA Extension, The Mind Body & Beyond Expo, The Bodhi Tree, The Conscious Life Expo, and the International Coach Federation as a coaching tool.

For more information about The GROW Principle or to find out about workshops and teleclass schedules, please contact Robert Silverstone robert@inthemoment.net or visit http://www.inthemoment.net