Opening the door to growth, the Menominee City Council voted to
join the Menominee County Brownfield Authority (Eagle
Herald, September 22, 2020)
Mention the word "growth," and you will receive a
variety of reactions. Some folks will express fear, others' excitement, and
others a disclaimer. These are natural reactions during regular times and expected
during the past few months' uncertainties.
But what is growth? More specifically, what is the mindset
of growth?
The internet defines mindset as a habitual mental attitude
determining how one will interpret and respond to situations. Other words for
growth include prospect, mental capacity, outlook. But the
same-meaning name I like best is "betterment."
How do we, both individually and as a community, improve our
hopes, dreams, and outlook to be better regarding the future
of the #MyMarinetteMenominee community? How do we continue to build a vibrant
community where our youth will want to stay? How do we build a community where
their talents will be nurtured and thrive? How do we shape our minds to better open
the doors for those seeking opportunities in the best interest of our local
community?
Mindset is an integral part of community growth. How do
we better shape our minds and grow them to seek opportunities in our best
interests? It is easy to find fault, to focus on what we cannot change. But
this mindset, this steering away from growth, is forgetting
that we have the power to overcome most obstacles.
Our minds are powerful tools as we travel towards betterment.
Ask any coach, ask any teacher. They inspire their players; they emphasize
their positive traits and teach them how to correct their weaker areas. With
hard work, positive coaching, and an open mindset, the goal is reached--growth
as betterment.
Because the path to better is uphill, we are either moving forward
or rolling back. Cultivate an open mindset to help overcome the fear which
might accompany growth. Focus on choices reflecting quality. Do we
work together to build this community and all it offers to make it a place
where people choose to live, one where they decide to relocate here? Do we
choose to love living here and create the type of culture people want to
identify with and belong to?
Please watch for and support ideas for betterment that come from
this Brownfield Economic Development tool. As plans emerge, if you
have questions, please discuss them with someone driving the effort. While we all see
things differently, there is common ground to be cultivated.
