Growth and Water Quality
Melissa Stewart
Account Director @ Mariner Innovations | Change Management Certified | Dadjoke Expert
Why does a goldfish only grow to the size of their tank?
Great question. Holy mackerel - this one sent me down a rabbit hole! Have a read through for my hot take on how we are similar to goldfish.
First things first - goldfish growth
Why does a goldfish only grow to the size of their tank? Well... this is what goes through my head:
- They can't grow bigger than their tank. That would be uncomfortable.
- Maybe their little fish bodies don't know they can grow bigger, because their environment is small.
Hold up. A goldfish's growth is relative to its environment. Moving BEYOND the boundary would be uncomfortable.
Hot take #1 Have goldfish become comfortable?
It's not true. Goldfish growth is not restricted by the size of the environment. Lack of growth is actually related to water quality. Now, a goldfish can't really control the quality of their water, but stick with me here. What if they could?
Would a goldfish be comfortable with their growth rate? Electing to not make a change to better water quality? Or would a goldfish swim to better water in a new environment and grow more?
Hot take #2 Are we similar to goldfish?
I had a chat with a colleague yesterday about overachieving. We were trying to define what it actually means to overachieve. In the end we got on the topic of competition and how there is always someone more skilled, faster, athletic, prepared - as you move from level to level. So - is overachieving relative to your environment?
- Being the first in your family to receive a university degree
- Achieving first place in your high school track meet
- Securing a spot on a Provincial / State debate team
- Starting and sustaining a multi-national corporation
We have an advantage over goldfish. Throw that idea of being restricted by your environment out the window. To an extent, we can properly care for ourselves and fuel our growth within any environment. We can challenge ourselves to do better, more. Let's get uncomfortable and step into the unknown.
Get out there and find better water quality my friends.
In a fish tank: What did one goldfish say to the other goldfish? Do you know how to drive this thing??
Facilitator of change | Results-oriented leader | Inquisitive mind
1yIt’s also suggested that goldfish have company in their tanks (as long as the others are bigger than the size of their mouth 🤭). Company promotes a whole host of health benefits. A bit like humans, yeah? 🤔 Looks like we are both affected by who we surround ourselves with; find the fish that promote your growth!