"Algunos períodos de nuestro crecimiento son tan confusos que ni siquiera reconocemos que el crecimiento está ocurriendo."

You know those times in life when everything feels like a mess? Like you’re stuck in a fog and can’t see which way is up? That’s what this idea is getting at. It’s about those moments when you’re so lost, so caught up in confusion, that you don’t realize you’re actually growing.

Think about it. Growth isn’t always a smooth, linear path. Sometimes it’s messy, unpredictable, and downright bewildering. You’re not aware of it in the moment because you’re too busy dealing with the chaos. But often, it’s during these turbulent times that we undergo the most significant changes.

Historically, this concept has been around forever. Ancient philosophers like Confucius and even the Stoics talked about the value of struggle. They recognized that hardship and confusion are often precursors to growth. On a personal level, you’ve probably felt this during major life transitions—new jobs, breakups, or even moving to a new city. Those periods were hard, right? But if you look back, you can see how much you grew from those experiences, even if it wasn't obvious at the time.

Let’s get concrete with a real-life example. Picture a young woman named Sarah who just moved to a new city for a job. She doesn’t know anyone, and the workload is overwhelming. She’s constantly stressed and feels like she’s barely keeping her head above water. But within a few months, she starts making friends, gets the hang of her job, and even finds a new favorite coffee shop. Looking back, Sarah realizes that all those lonely nights and overwhelming days actually pushed her outside her comfort zone. She became more independent and resilient.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? First, embrace the confusion. Don’t shy away from it. When you’re in the thick of it, remind yourself that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. Trust that this confusion is part of the process. Second, reflect regularly. Take a few moments each week to jot down what’s been challenging and how you’ve dealt with it. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns of growth.

Imagine you’re a writer working on your first novel. It’s not going well. You’re stuck, frustrated, and questioning whether you’ve got what it takes. But here’s the thing: every moment you spend wrestling with your manuscript is making you a better writer. You’re learning what works and what doesn’t. You’re developing your voice, even if you can’t see it right now.

This reminds me of my friend John. He started his business in his garage, with barely any clients and a whole lot of stress. For the first year, it was touch and go. He was working insane hours and doubting every decision. But slowly, things started to click. More clients came in, he hired a small team, and his business grew. Looking back, John realized that the confusion and hard times were crucial. They forced him to innovate, to become more adaptable, and to appreciate the small wins.

So next time you’re feeling lost, remember that you’re probably growing more than you realize. It’s like a seed in the soil—things have to get messy before they can flourish. Keep pushing, keep reflecting, and trust that the confusion is part of your journey.