Everyone needs maturity

MATURITY is often seen as a virtue that comes with age. However, it is something that everyone can and should strive for, regardless of age.

Changing Perspectives

Rutendo Gwatidzo

Maturity is not about being perfect.

Rather, it is about making a conscious effort to be responsible, empathetic and understanding.

Maturity is how you choose to respond to different situations in life.

Kindly note that there is a difference between responding and reacting.

When you react, you allow emotions to lead, hence you tend to be childish.

On the other hand, when you respond, you can control your emotions, put them aside, consider the situation and weigh the options to make a conscious decision.

Maturity is a very interesting subject because it comes in many different forms.

For instance, withholding something can be a sign of maturity, while giving away the same can also be a sign of maturity.

It all depends on the situation at hand.

Mature people are better positioned to achieve their goals regardless of challenges they come across.

Maturity does not come with age, because everyone grows, but not everyone attains maturity.

Organisational status

One of the main challenges faced by many organisations today is that of having immature leaders and managers.

Instead of being good role models that subordinates can look up to, some of them are good examples of what subordinates should not become.

As such, it then becomes difficult for managers to be effective leaders.

This immaturity then contributes to poor performance by employees.

Managers used to be appointed on merit.

Nowadays, some managers are appointed on the basis of who they know.

Business leaders should carefully consider the impact a prospective manager is likely to bring before hiring them.

The importance of maturity

Better decision-making: Maturity allows one to think before acting.

This means that one is able to consider the consequences of actions first then make choices that are in the best interest of those involved, including themselves.

Better relationships: Maturity helps to build strong relationships because mature people are usually good listeners and communicators. These qualities make it easier to build and maintain strong relationships with others.

Better handling of situations: Life is full of challenges that manifest differently at different stages. Maturity helps one to handle challenges in a calm and constructive way and persevere through tough times.

Better achievement of goals: Mature people are self-motivated and driven because they do not wait for other people to create a conducive environment for them.

Usually, they are the creators of the conducive environment that leads to their rise. They set goals for themselves and work hard to achieve them because they understand that they have what it takes to excel. In most cases, maturity brings happiness and fulfilment.

Mature people are usually better equipped to be grateful for what they have while they continue to work towards what they desire.

Some tips on how to become mature

Think before you act: Take time to consider the situation at hand, the different outcomes that may arise due to different actions and then choose the best way to respond.

Be responsible: Maturity is being able to take ownership of your actions and decisions.

The blame game is for the immature. Pointing fingers at others does not give you fulfilment because deep down you know the truth.

Be understanding: In order to come up with better decisions and respond in a better way, always try to see things from other people’s perspective.

Be open to learning: The moment you think you know everything is the moment you are most likely to begin to lose your grip.

Life is all about continuous learning. At no point in life can anyone say they know it all.

Even the greatest heroes continued and still continue to learn to remain relevant. Be willing to learn new things and to continue growing as a person.

Be respectful of others: It is possible to be frustrated and then express it respectfully.

Many people tend to lose self-respect and fail to respect others when angry or frustrated.

Maturity is a journey; it is not a destination. We all need to work on maturity throughout our lives.

There is need to approach this year and its different situations with maturity.

Author Denis Waitely once said: “Maturity is when you come to terms with the realisation that your decisions cause your rewards and consequences. You are responsible for your life, and your ultimate success depends on the choices that you make.”

Rutendo Gwatidzo is managing consultant at The HUB HR Consultancy. She is a multi-award-winning consultant, speaker and mentor. She is also author of the books “Born to Fight” and “Breaking the Silence”. Contacts: +263 714 575 805/ [email protected]/ Facebook: Rutendo Gwatidzo_Official