My Quest to Create a Better Me: Day 21,571
A better me. I didn’t think it would be easy, but I thought it would be easier.
Sure, some days I make progress on this better-version-of-myself quest. As a leadership coach, if I can’t work to become that better version of myself, how can I expect my coaching clients to do the same? It’s akin to a doctor “taking their own medicine.” So what have I learned about the medicine? Supporting someone else’s leadership journey is one thing. Trying it yourself? Well, that’s something else entirely.
Over those 20,000 days I’ve attempted all sorts of approaches. Some generated benefits—both short and long term—others I chalk up to the trial and error that exemplifies a growth mindset. And still others I simply bemoan, “What was I thinking?”
What are my latest efforts? Here are some I’ve been road testing:
Mindfulness: A ten-minute (approximately) daily (mostly) practice.
Value focus: Each month I focus on one particular value and track (each week) how I did in living that value. Values like caring, focus, positivity, curiosity, etc.
Activity alignment: Every week I list the accomplishment targets, which always includes a daily laugh, reading something inspirational, and connecting with a friend.
Consistent reflection: Noticing what I’ve done well and where I have been unsuccessful (or a jerk).
My insight? Yes, change is hard, especially if you frame it as “hard.” But small change is less hard. The old expression, “a journey of a million miles [or five miles, or ten steps] begins with one step” reminds us that it only takes one action to start (and starting is the hardest part). You’d think this would be second nature to a coach. Yet no matter our experience, our title, our age, or our presumed expertise, we all become a little better when we:
try it
succeed a bit
fail a bit
reflect a lot
recognize that trying something is better than doing nothing
are reminded that becoming better is a lifelong pursuit
understand that being better means making one better choice at a time
hold ourselves accountable to the effort each day
know that having someone outside yourself to hold you accountable works even better
We’re a work in progress. Every day. Day 21,572 awaits.
Who is with me?
Notes:
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