The Key to Self-Improvement

By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom

We all strive in different ways to be “better’ at who we are and what we do. Whether it’s improving our health, relationships, or career, it can be tough to decide how to act on these ambitions in a productive way.

It can be a double-edged sword, this self-improvement journey. Many of us are always striving to be “better,” without being satisfied with the progress we’ve already made.

I came across this topic by reading a new book called Good Enough Is the New Perfect by Hollee Schwartz and Becky Gillespie. The authors surveyed women in their 30s and 40s, and broadly identified two categories: “never enoughs” and “good enoughs.”

I like this kind of thinking, and find it applies to most areas of life.

With “never enough” thinking, the positives we do are masked by the idea that we must always do more. An unrealistic expectation for most people, and very frustrating.

With “good enough” thinking, we can appreciate our strengths, and be more satisfied with our positive efforts. It’s not settling for mediocrity, but rather looking at our positive steps as a worthy “pat on the back.” Perfection is not the goal, it’s improvement.

I think this is a great message – and this kind of thinking can go a long way to supporting lifelong, fulfilling self-improvement.

Do you agree?