Table of Contents
Do not index
Do not index
Read time: under 5 minutes
Why admitting weakness fuels growth
We've all heard the phrase "personal growth" so many times that it’s almost lost its meaning.
But let's get real—growth isn’t just a fluffy buzzword your boss throws around during performance reviews. It's a gritty, sometimes painful, process that demands more than just reading a few self-help books or listening to motivational podcasts.
Real growth requires humility, patience, and the willingness to admit that you don’t have it all figured out.
Admitting that you’re still growing can feel like admitting defeat, especially in a world that celebrates instant success.
The reality, though, is that growth is a process, and arrogance is the one thing that can derail it faster than you can say, "I got this."
If you think you’ve already mastered everything there is to learn, think again.
Grow your UX career with Mitchell Clements
1. The ego trap — why letting go is step one
Drop the ego—it’s holding you back.
💭 Picture this:
You’ve just nailed a project at work, and suddenly you’re feeling like the next Elon Musk or Taylor Swift. Before you start designing your own rocket or writing your next breakup anthem, let’s pump the brakes. Ego can make you feel invincible, but it’s also the reason why you stop learning.
The moment you believe you know it all is the moment you stop growing.
The funny thing about ego is that it’s like a security blanket. It makes you feel safe and powerful, but it’s actually suffocating your potential.
When you cling to your ego, you’re not leaving room for new ideas, constructive criticism, or even the possibility of failure—all crucial ingredients for growth.
So, what’s the solution? Drop the ego. Be willing to say, “I don’t know, but I’m here to learn.”
This simple act of humility can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
2. Patience is a virtue
Slow down—growth takes time.
We live in an era of instant gratification. From same-day delivery to streaming entire TV series in a weekend, we’re conditioned to expect results now. But growth doesn’t work like that.
It’s not a microwave meal; it’s a slow-cooked feast.
Rushing the growth process is like trying to force a plant to bloom overnight. Sure, you might see some progress, but it’s likely to be stunted and short-lived.
Real growth requires time, patience, and, most importantly, consistency. The best things—like a perfectly aged wine or a well-developed skill—take time.
Slowing down doesn’t mean slacking off. It means being intentional with your actions, making thoughtful decisions, and understanding that growth is a marathon, not a sprint.
So, take a deep breath and remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.
Build a meaningful UX career and take control of your own career growth with UX Growth Playbook.
3. You’re not always right
Seek fresh eyes—perspective is everything.
Ever tried to solve a problem for hours, only to have someone else walk in and point out the obvious solution in seconds? Yeah, that’s perspective in action.
When you’re too close to something, whether it’s a project, a problem, or your own growth, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture.
Getting an outside perspective is one of the most underrated growth hacks out there.
It’s like cleaning your glasses after a long day—the world suddenly looks clearer. This might mean asking for feedback from colleagues, seeking mentorship, or even just bouncing ideas off a friend.
The key is to be open to the idea that you don’t have all the answers and that’s okay.
Remember, the goal is growth, not perfection. By inviting fresh perspectives, you’re allowing yourself to see new possibilities, learn from others’ experiences, and ultimately, grow in ways you never imagined.
4. Tools of the trade
Leverage your tools—calendar, photos, journal.
We all love a good productivity hack, but sometimes the simplest tools are the most effective.
Your calendar, for example, isn’t just for meetings; it’s a record of your time, a map of where you’ve been, and a guide to where you’re going.
Similarly, photos and journals aren’t just keepsakes; they’re powerful tools for reflection and growth.
Using these tools doesn’t require fancy software or complicated systems. It’s about being intentional with the resources at your disposal.
• Review your calendar to track your progress over time.
• Look back at photos to remind yourself of what you’ve accomplished.
• Write in a journal to reflect on what you’ve learned and where you want to go next.
These tools are like breadcrumbs on the path of your growth journey.
They help you stay grounded, focused, and aware of the progress you’re making, even when it feels like you’re standing still.
Key takeaways
At the end of the day, the most important ingredient in the recipe for growth is humility.
Arrogance kills progress because it blinds you to your own weaknesses and limits your capacity to learn. When you’re humble, you’re open to new ideas, willing to admit your mistakes, and, most importantly, eager to keep growing.
It’s not that you’re overlooked because you’re still learning—it’s because you haven’t mastered enough yet. But that’s okay.
Mastery comes with time, effort, and the willingness to be a perpetual student of life.
So, what’s the takeaway here? Stay humble. Keep pushing. And most importantly, let your growth speak for itself.
Don’t feel the need to shout about how much you’ve learned or how far you’ve come. Just show it through your actions, your work, and the way you carry yourself.
🎵 Song of the day: HUMBLE by Kendrick Lamar.
Whenever you're ready, there are 4 ways I can help you:
1. Junior Designer Bundle: Transition into UX with my playbooks: breaking down portfolios, applications, and UX frameworks, to build a solid career foundation. Craft an unforgettable portfolio & get hired.
2. Senior Designer Bundle: Become a design leader with systems to build healthier, happier teams and grow you and others meaningfully. Join 500+ aspiring leaders.
3. UX Portfolio Critique: Get a 20-minute video of brutally honest feedback, a checklist of things to fix, in less than 48 hours. Get a personalised portfolio critique here.
4. Job Sprint Course: Stand out in an unpredictable job market by building a memorable personal brand and a killer job search strategy. Get hired in UX with Job Sprint.
