Growth and transformation often go hand in hand, but which comes first? In both business and life, I've noticed that transformation tends to lead the way—whether we feel ready for it or not. Fear often keeps us stuck in the idea that we must first achieve a certain level of success, confidence, or financial security before we take big steps. But in reality, the biggest breakthroughs often come when we step forward before we feel fully prepared.
Transformation needs to happen first in order to continue growing, and transformation comes from within only when you're ready to take that change head-on and push yourself beyond your current limits. Even if it may seem like life as you know it has ended, you evolve into the most beautiful version of yourself, one you couldn’t have even dreamed of. You have to let go of your past to open up new roads to the future.
In my own journey, every major milestone happened not because I had everything figured out, but because I made decisions that pushed me into unknown territory. I didn’t wait to feel ready, I just knew I didn’t want to stay where I was. It was like wearing a pair of shoes that had become too tight; I could either stay cramped and uncomfortable or step into bigger shoes, even if they initially felt too roomy. That discomfort was a signal to grow into the space ahead of me.
This pattern isn’t unique to me. The Williams sisters didn’t limit themselves to the junior leagues when others suggested they should because they were indeed excelling. Instead, their father made the unconventional choice to pull them out of junior tournaments, allowing them to focus on their development away from external pressures. Sometimes, stepping away from what seems to be working is necessary to become the best version of yourself. Like a caterpillar, walking and eating leaves may seem ideal, but without retreating into a cocoon, it would never transform into a butterfly and take flight.
This pattern exists not only in personal growth but also in nature. When a plant becomes rootbound, it stops growing and can eventually wither. But when it is repotted into a bigger container, it has the space to spread its roots and continue thriving, reaching new potential it could never achieve in its confined space. Growth requires change, and sometimes that means stepping into something bigger before we feel fully ready.
Sometimes, we need a bigger pot, a larger playing field, or even an entire ocean to reach our full potential. However, it’s important to remember that growth without proper preparation can lead to challenges like burnout or overwhelm.
Big leaps are made of faith, risk analysis, and the willingness to adapt. Transformation most definitely leads the way to growth.
What about you? Have you ever stepped into something bigger before feeling fully ready? I’d love to hear your experiences! Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with us on social media https://www.instagram.com/eatcremebakery. Let’s grow together!