Lateral growth

I believe personal development comes in two main forms, vertical and lateral. Vertical growth is the kind I post about most frequently. This is the kind of reach-for-the-stars of growth we experience with setting goals, disciplining ourselves and focusing. The tools of vertical growth are perseverance, goal setting, discipline and motivation. Vertical growth lets you expand in your skills and abilities, making you stronger and better equipped to handle challenges.

Growth, however, is very addictive. Being obsessed with my own personal development lends me to this fact. When you start achieving things, when the feedback from the world goes from negative to positive and you feel the power that can only come from taking responsibility for your life, you get addicted to that feeling. I'm not talking about the negative context of addiction either. Those kinds of obsessions are unhealthy and need to be dealt with. I am referring to the addictive feeling you get from just being incredibly happy, motivated and enthusiastic about life.This addiction can sometimes lead us to have a one-dimensional focus. In our pursuit of either vertical or lateral growth, the benefits of doing so become so overwhelming that we completely neglect this aspect of our own growth. Although this is vastly superior to the typical zero-dimensional volume of growth most people experience, it is still mediocre when compared to the results and experience of someone who can pursue both vertical and lateral growth.

Lateral growth is a rather unique form of personal development. Lateral growth involves expanding our consciousness by including a larger variety of experiences. Although in negative and extreme circumstances this can lead to experimentation with drugs and yield undesirable consequences, most of the lateral growth we experience will be of a very positive and supportive nature. By improving your lateral growth you create a greater emotional, mental, physical and spiritual foundation from which to build your vertical growth.

Lateral growth experiences can take the form of hobbies. Pursuing artistic passions by spontaneously taking a painting class would be pursuing your lateral growth. Learning to play a musical instrument or pursuing another creative hobby is another example. Even trying a completely different sport, learning or mastering a new game and exploring a new idea are all lateral growth concepts.

Lateral growth also comes from relationships with other people. Building friendships and close relationships with other people is also a form of lateral growth and expansion. Mastering your communication skills, reaching out and helping other people or any method of human interaction will undoubtedly raise your lateral growth. The people with the highest development on this spectrum usually have very good social skills, empathy and communicate very effectively.

Lateral growth also impacts your own spiritual awareness. In its purest form, lateral growth is basically improving your understanding and conception of reality.

Source: www.scotthyoung.com