We all grow up, but not all of us truly mature.

Growing and maturing isn’t just about getting older; it’s about recognizing the subtle shifts in your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Maturing is a choice, and it’s often an introspective journey of self-discovery.

But how do you know if you’re on the right path?

Well, if you spot these 8 subtle signs in yourself, you can rest assured that you’re genuinely growing and maturing as a person.

Let’s dive in to see what they are!

1) You’re embracing change

Change is a part of life but it’s not always easy to embrace.

It can be scary, it can be uncomfortable, and it can often force us out of our comfort zones. But as the saying goes, growth and comfort cannot coexist.

If you find yourself accepting change rather than fighting it, you’re on the right track.

You may notice that you’re more open to new experiences, you’re willing to take risks and you’re not overly attached to the ‘way things used to be’.

This doesn’t mean that every change is easy or enjoyable, but by accepting and adapting to change, you’re demonstrating one of the key signs of maturity.

Growth is not about being perfect; it’s about constantly striving to be better. And embracing change is a big part of that journey.

2) You’re more self-aware

Self-awareness is another critical sign of growth and maturity.

I remember a time in my life when I was completely oblivious to how my actions were impacting others. I was so wrapped up in my own world that I failed to consider the feelings of those around me.

However, as I grew and matured, I started to develop a better understanding of myself. I began to recognize my strengths, weaknesses, and how my behavior affected others.

For instance, I realized that my tendency to procrastinate not only affected my productivity but also created unnecessary stress for my colleagues who depended on me.

This realization helped me work towards becoming more responsible and considerate.

Becoming more self-aware doesn’t happen overnight, that’s for sure. But when you start noticing these subtle changes in your understanding of yourself and how you relate with others, it’s a good sign that you’re genuinely maturing as a person.

3) You’re not afraid to ask for help

Asking for help is often seen as a sign of weakness. But in reality, it’s actually a sign of strength and wisdom.

Look, nobody has all the answers. Even the most successful people in the world have mentors and advisors.

For example, did you know that Bill Gates, one of the wealthiest and most successful entrepreneurs in the world, had a mentor?

His mentor was Warren Buffet, who guided him through many critical decisions in his life and career. And you know what? Warren Buffett had his own mentors as well!

The point is, there’s no shame in asking for help — we all need it. And if you can recognize that, that means you’ve come to value learning over ego. That’s a sure sign of maturity.

4) You’re setting healthy boundaries

As we grow and mature, we learn the importance of setting and maintaining healthy boundaries in our relationships.

This could mean saying no to a social event because you need some downtime, or telling a friend that their negative comments are affecting your well-being.

Setting boundaries is about understanding your needs and respecting yourself enough to communicate these needs to others.

It’s not always easy. It can feel uncomfortable, especially if you’re used to putting others first. But it’s a crucial step towards self-care and personal growth.

So, if you’re starting to set boundaries where you never did before, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re showing a clear sign of personal growth and maturity.

5) You’ve learned to let go

Letting go can be one of the hardest things to do but it’s a crucial part of growing and maturing.

Not too long ago, I found myself holding onto a relationship that was no longer serving me. I was stuck in a cycle of hope and disappointment, unable to move forward.

Eventually, I realized that I was only hurting myself by clinging to something that was gone. The process of letting go was painful, but it was necessary for my personal growth.

Whether it’s an old grudge, a failed relationship, or an unattainable dream, if you’ve managed to release something that was weighing you down, you’re definitely showing signs of growth and maturity.

6) You’re taking responsibility for your actions

Stepping up and owning your actions is a significant indicator of maturity.

It’s easy to play the blame game and point fingers at others when things go wrong. But as we mature, we realize that we’re not just passive players in our lives; we’re the drivers.

If you’ve made a mistake, you acknowledge it. If you’ve hurt someone, you apologize. And most importantly, you learn from these experiences and strive to do better.

Taking responsibility is essential to learning, growing, and evolving as a person. So if you’re owning up to your actions and their consequences, you’re definitely maturing.

7) You’re living according to your values

Finally, the most significant sign of growth and maturity is living in alignment with your values.

Your values are the principles that guide your decisions, behaviors, and relationships. They reflect who you are at your core.

Living according to your values means making decisions that resonate with what truly matters to you. It means standing up for what you believe in, even when it’s not popular or easy.

If you find yourself making choices based on your own deeply-held beliefs rather than external pressures or expectations, congratulations! You’re truly growing and maturing as a person.

Reflection: The journey of self-discovery

The process of growing and maturing as an individual is a personal journey, often marked by introspection and self-discovery.

It’s about becoming more aware of your strengths and vulnerabilities, embracing change, letting go of what no longer serves you, and living in alignment with your values.

Recognizing these subtle signs in yourself is a testament to your ongoing evolution as a person. It’s not about reaching a destination or achieving perfection; it’s about the journey towards becoming the best version of yourself.

Reflect on these signs, acknowledge your growth, and continue to strive for personal development. After all, growth and maturity are lifelong pursuits.