Life Step 6: Willingness to Grow

Megan Cerney, LCSW/LISW
2 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Pop art illustration of colorful stairs with halftone dots in yellow, teal, red, and navy. The bold title reads “Life Step 1: Acceptance,” with a white speech bubble that says “Breathe…” and a navy footer bar that reads “Together From Afar | The 12 Life Steps.”

I'm ready!

“The door only opens when you’re willing to knock.”

Why Willingness to Grow Matters

Willingness is the quiet turning point in any healing or growth journey.

It’s the moment you stop standing in the doorway of change…

and decide to lean in.

Willingness isn’t about having everything figured out.

It’s not about being fearless or perfect or fully prepared.

It’s about saying, “I’m open.”

Open to discomfort, open to learning, open to trying something new—even if it feels unfamiliar.

Think of willingness as loosening a jar lid.

The first twist is the hardest.

Once you create movement, everything else begins to shift with a little more ease.

When you are willing, you become teachable.

When you are teachable, you become transformable.

How Life Step 6 Supports Mental Health

Encourages flexibility, which reduces emotional rigidity
Builds resilience, because you’re open to trying new tools
Supports therapy progress, as willingness fuels insight
Reduces avoidance, allowing you to face challenges directly
Creates momentum, even from the smallest effort

Willingness acts like a spark—small, but powerful enough to ignite change.

Reflection Corner

What part of my life feels ready for growth, even if I feel nervous about it?
What fears come up when I think about making a change?
What would “being willing” look like in my daily routine?
What is one belief or habit I’m open to revisiting or reworking?

Small Practice

Choose one tiny action that signals willingness today.

It could be:

Looking up a resource
Asking a question
Trying a new coping skill
Changing one part of your routine
Saying “yes” to support

Commit to the smallest possible action.

Small steps reinforce willingness—and lead to big shifts over time.

Afterward, ask yourself: “What opened up for me when I allowed willingness in?”

Looking Ahead

Once willingness unlocks the door, the next step invites humility—recognizing that growth often requires help, support, and openness to something beyond ourselves.

Up next: Life Step 7: Humility & Openness

Last tidbit :)

How's everyone feeling? Life Steps is an everyday necessity.

Your Therapist,

- Megan Cerney, LCSW