#Positively Stressed - Week 14
In our careers and personal lives, we are often surrounded by the “crawl, walk, run” theory. In the trades, it’s the progression from Apprentice to Journeyman to Master. In other fields, it’s the journey from Observe to Be Observed to Going Solo.
While I have no problem accepting the need to “crawl” in the beginning and acknowledge the importance of doing my time to show competency, I often find myself frustrated with the “walking” stage – that feeling of being held back by what seems like arbitrary or ill-defined structures.
But here’s the thing: the “crawl, walk, run” theory emphasizes that the journey itself is the goal, not any specific destination. Even in fields like law and medicine, the most experienced professionals are still in their “practice”. It’s a reminder that growth is ongoing, and the pursuit of improvement is never truly finished.
In its own way, this framework is also relevant in the military. To gain rank, you have to show increased competence (usually in the form of qualifications or experiences) to move up in the ranks.
Our mental health can also be viewed from the perspective of a journey. But it is our life experiences – dealing with grief, navigating career setbacks, managing anxiety – which are the repetitions that guide us through the stages of the journey. And just like doctors and attorneys who are always in practice, we too are in a constant practice of improving our mental health, whether we are crawling, walking, or running.
This week’s takeaway: It’s not about rushing to the next stage – it’s about embracing the journey and the lessons learned along the way.
Don’t forget to vote in the poll over on LinkedIn while it is still active.
By: Stephen Delcuze, Esq. - Found on LinkedIn here.
