Progress not Perfection in Practice

Last week R.C. shared about Glow & Grow as a way to evaluate something that goes well and something that can be improved. 

In her example, she explained how it’s used in her reading class when they are doing writing assignments, but she and I quickly realized it’s a great lens that is applicable to lots of different areas of our lives. 

The GSD Factor mindset is one that suggests that we look at our experiences as the glass half full, not half empty, and we can always learn something from every experience. Even in those less-than-optimal situations, those negative situations, there is something to be gleaned. There

is something to be stored in the playbook to be able to recall and replay at a moment’s notice. In our Be Present attribute, we talk about living with an attitude of progress, not perfection. 

If we align the concept of glow and grow with this GSD Factor mindset, each and every situation becomes an opportunity for us to celebrate that glow moment and take a lesson of growth from it. 

The way we have applied this in our family is that we take a quick recap at the end of each day. I ask the tiny humans what was their glow moment and what was their grow moment. This has become part of our routine, and doing this quick retrospect opens the door for gratitude and reflection. 

I knew this message was resonating when I heard my youngest tiny human giving a motivational speech to his basketball team at halftime. He highlighted a glow and a grow for them. The team was encouraged and also made some strategic pivots to come back and win the game!

I have also applied this with my clients. Again, it’s a simple yet effective exercise that teams in any size organization can apply. The positive dividends that come from this are exponential. As individuals, teams, and organizations are striving for that next milestone, doing so with this attitude of progress, not perfection is complemented by this simple glow and grow measurable exercise. 

I get an incredible opportunity to mentor many founders in the entrepreneurial space, and oftentimes, they don’t take enough moments to celebrate the glows. They hyper-focus on the grows and lack of perfection. Being a founder is hard, and so many burn out because they are not extending themselves the grace of progress nor the celebration of glows, even if they are small. 

Consider applying glow and grow in your routine, be it your personal or professional life. Remember to always couple them together and wrap it in kindness. 

Take the Be Present assessment that will provide prescriptive recommendations based on where you want to ignite presence in your life.