How To Grow Essay

Author Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow." I agree with Emerson's quote based off of my experiences with school, work, and hobbies. In school I have challenged myself and benefited from my hard work and willingness to master new information. Working has allowed me to grow and become responsible by taking on difficult situations and being in a different environment. Also, playing soccer and participating in clubs have allowed me to push myself, try new things, and grow as an individual. Trying new techniques and tasks are a large part of growing up. My personal experiences with going beyond what I have already mastered has allowed me to grow and become
prepared for the future. For example, I work hard in school and take advanced classes. I am not afraid to challenge myself and this has helped me grow into a stronger student by teaching me time management and preparing me for college. Another example is my job. I am a lifeguard and this has given me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone. I am now experienced with children, prepared to act in an emergency, and willing to help others.
The clubs I participate in have pushed me to develop as an individual. The Youth Leadership Team has helped me to grow in my faith and as a leader. Also, community service clubs have encouraged me to assist people without having to be asked. Another example is soccer. I have played soccer most of my life and I recently stepped away from what I am used to and played for a different club. This was a hard decision to make, but I grew as a player and became more confident as an individual and a teammate. All of these examples are reasons why going beyond what has already been mastered is important and will help you grow. People may believe that change is not what helps you grow. To some people change and trying new things may be scary. Trying new things and branching out can be out of people's comfort zones. Doing what you have always known can be easy and comforting. People may also believe that going beyond what is already mastered can lead to mistakes. There is always the constant fear of failure or not being accepted. I can see why some people may not think that change helps you grow. Despite these negative factors, doing something that has not already been mastered is what allows you to grow. Being afraid of trying something new is natural and
can be overcome. For example, taking my first Advanced Placement class made me nervous and stressed out. I overcame this and took the class and passed. I would never take back that experience because it has made me a stronger student and I feel more prepared for college, which is a huge part of growing up. We all make mistakes. Do not allow the fear of messing up or making the wrong decision prevent you from growing up and doing what you want to do. For example, I was nervous about playing for a new soccer club. I was worried that I was making a mistake and would not like my new coach or teammates. Now that I tried it, I know I made the correct decision. I learned a lot from the new coach and improved as a player. Even if I had not been as happy, I would still be proud of myself for trying something new and the experience would have been worth it. The negative aspects of trying new things and growing dull in comparison to the outcome of branching out. In conclusion, I agree with Emerson's quote. Doing something beyond what you have already mastered allows you to grow. My own experiences with school, work, soccer, and clubs support this quote. The fear of failure, making a mistake, and leaving your comfort zone can be overcome. Trying new things, branching out, and overcoming your fears are what helps people grow.