There are two basic ways to see growth: one as a product, the other as a process. People have generally viewed personal growth as an external(外在的) result or a product that can easily be identified and measured. The worker who gets a rise, the student whose grades improve, the foreigner who learns a new language—all these examples of people who have measurable results to show for their efforts.

By contrast(对照), the process of personal growth is much more difficult to determine， since it is a journey and not the specific signposts or landmarks along the way. The process is not the road itself,   but the attitudes, feelings people have, and their caution or courage, as they meet with new experiences and unexpected difficulties. In this process, the journey never really ends; there are always new ways to experience the world, new ideas to try, new challenges to accept.   In order to grow, to travel new roads, people need to have a willingness to take risks, to face the unknown, and to accept the possibility that they may “fail” at first.   How we see ourselves as we try a new way of being is necessary for our ability to grow. Do we see ourselves as quick and curious? If so, we tend to take more chances and be more open to unfamiliar experiences. Do we think we're shy and indecisive? Then our sense of fear can cause us to hesitate, to move slowly, and we think we are slow to adapt (适应) change or that we’re not smart enough to deal with a new challenge. Then we are likely to take a more passive role or not try at all.

These feelings of insecurity(不安全) and self-doubt are both unavoidable and necessary if we are to change and grow. If we protect ourselves too much, then we stop growing. We become trapped inside a shell of our own making.

Growing ups I always envied my friends who lived in one town in their whole lives. Coming from a military family makes this impossible. My brothers and I soon found that if we didn’t like a place we lived in, we’d soon be moving to a new place. Through all the ups and downs, I now realize that’s everything I’ve done, seen, and learned has made me into the person I am today.

The field day was the best day ever created. Being good at sports which I had done together with parents seemed to help me find my position at a new school. Despite the hot weather in San Antonio, Texas, I had to take outdoor activities. Sometimes we took the family mountain biking after school. My brothers and I were arranged to join in the swim team and practice yoga. These are the things I remember about my childhood. Now I thank my parents for teaching me these vital principles, which I will have with me the rest of my life.

I was always the shy girl and afraid to be myself. This didn’t bother me until I reached junior high school, when some girls judged me by what I wore, who I talked to and how skinny I was. I felt like I’d never done anything wrong to deserve such criticism. It was not until last year that I realized that I had to stay different from them and live my life according to my principles. I decided to be my own person. I never thought that being nice could cause me to be disliked. Anyway, I began hanging out with girls who had a lot in common with me like preferring outdoor sports. They were accepting and non-judgmental. I am now content with knowing that I am my own person and don’t let others control my life.