I have a ganglion cyst on my wrist and it recently grew. is there any chance it will get smaller on its own, or do they always get bigger over time?

Wait and watch: Ganglion cysts are common, often grow slowly or may remain unchanged in size for months. Not likely to get smaller on its own. You should get it checked by a good surgeon once yearly unless it is causing you pain or discomfort. It is easy to remove it, if you have any symptoms. Tell us where exactly it is located(front or back of the wrist) and for how long has it been there?