Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing
Growth in recovery isn’t automatic. Just like plants need water, sunlight, and care to thrive, our personal and spiritual growth requires intentional effort. But sometimes, without realizing it, we find ourselves stuck. We go through the motions, but something is missing. So, how do we recognize when we’ve stopped growing, and more importantly, how do we get back on track?
Signs That Growth Has Stopped
If you’ve ever felt like you’re treading water in your recovery, you’re not alone. Here are some common signs that your growth may be slowing or stalling:
- Living on autopilot – Doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result.
- Avoiding responsibility – Recovery and growth require effort, and sometimes, it’s easier to check out.
- Making emotion-based decisions – Reacting to feelings rather than thinking through choices logically.
- Comparing yourself to others – Seeing others grow while feeling left behind can be discouraging.
- Resisting healthy risks – Growth requires stepping out of your comfort zone.
- Focusing only on the finish line – God cares about the journey as much as the destination.
- Losing enthusiasm – Apathy can replace passion if we aren’t intentional.
- Ignoring warning signs – Failing to recognize triggers can lead to setbacks.
- Trusting past experiences too much – What worked before may not work today.
- Judging others instead of improving yourself – It’s easy to shift focus outward rather than work on personal growth.
What’s Causing the Stagnation?
If you recognize these signs, it’s important to understand what’s behind them. Common barriers to growth include:
- Addiction – Using substances or behaviors to numb emotions.
- Unhealed trauma – Past wounds that haven’t been fully processed.
- Unhealthy coping mechanisms – Acting mature outwardly but struggling inwardly.
How to Start Growing Again
The good news? Growth is always possible. Here’s how to rekindle momentum in your recovery:
- Live in the moment – Each day is a gift. Learn to cherish it.
- Serve with boundaries – Helping others strengthens our own recovery, but balance is key.
- Build meaningful relationships – Growth thrives in community.
- Stay optimistic – Choose faith over fear about the future.
- Face challenges head-on – Life is unpredictable, but we can learn to respond with strength.
- Break free from self-medication – Healing comes when we stop numbing the pain.
- Develop self-awareness – Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Keep Moving Forward
Growth isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. God desires transformation in every area of our lives, but we must participate in the process. If you feel stuck, take inventory, make adjustments, and trust that God is still working. He’s not finished with you yet.
Where do you see yourself in this journey? What’s one step you can take today to start growing again?