The Potential To Be Better
Pause and Reflect
This morning, I’m writing, or journaling from the Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackosn Airport in preparation for TA Week in San Diego. While I’m getting ready for a week filled with friends and peers, I’m called back to something I wrote this three days ago, Feedback Is The Breakfast Of Champions. The closing lines hit me especially hard.
Consider that maybe our mothers were wrong. We are not that great. But we have the potential to be better. Feedback is your roadmap to that potential. Use it.
Are our mothers and fathers wrong about the potential we harbor?
Are we not living up to their expectations of us?
Are we not living up to the expectations of others?
Do we, in fact, have the potential to be better?
Or are we squandering that potential?
On Mothers and Fathers
Alright, let’s break this down. First off, our moms, bless them, probably did overestimate our greatness. That’s their job. But here’s the deal: greatness isn’t a birthright, it’s a journey. You’re not automatically fantastic at anything — sorry to burst that bubble. But, and here’s the big but, you’ve got a shot at being better, maybe even great, if you play your cards right.
Their (Moms’ and Dads’) feedback is your secret weapon here. It’s the unsugarcoated truth that tells you where you’re screwing up and where you’re shining. It’s not always pleasant.
Actually, it’s rarely pleasant.
But it’s the raw material you need to sculpt your better self. Without feedback, you’re just wandering around in the dark, thinking you’re awesome when you’re not.
So, here’s my advice: seek out their feedback like it’s gold. Listen to it. Really listen. Don’t get defensive. Don’t make excuses. Just take it in. Then, get to work on yourself. It’s a grind, but that’s how potential gets turned into something real. Your Mom and Dad might think you’re great, but their feedback will help you actually get there.
The Critical Advice of Others
Feedback from peers and friends, what’s its value? It’s invaluable, and here’s why.
First off, we’re living in an echo chamber of our own making. We think our ideas are brilliant, our execution flawless. But guess what? We’re often wrong. That’s where feedback from those around us comes in. It’s like a splash of cold water, waking us up to reality.
Your peers and friends offer a perspective you can’t see from your vantage point. They’re in the trenches with you, but they’re not wearing your rose-colored glasses. They see your blind spots. They’ll tell you if your brilliant idea is actually just a rehashed version of something that failed five years ago.
And let’s not forget the emotional intelligence aspect. Your friends, they know you. They understand your strengths and weaknesses, sometimes better than you do. Their feedback isn’t just about the work; it’s about you. How you handle stress, interact with others, and whether you hog the limelight or share it.
But here’s the kicker — it’s not just about receiving feedback. It’s about acting on it. That’s where growth happens. You take that hard-earned wisdom, and you iterate, you evolve. Without this feedback loop, you’re just running in place.
So, what’s the value of feedback from your peers and friends? It’s the difference between thinking you’re on the right track and knowing it. It’s the secret sauce to personal and professional growth. Ignore it at your own peril.
Meant For More
We’re decent, sure, but let’s not kid ourselves — we’re not the epitome of perfection.
But guess what?
That’s not just okay, it’s actually a good thing. Why? Because it means we’ve got room to grow, to get better, to evolve. And how do we do that? Feedback, my friends, feedback. It’s like a GPS for your potential. It tells you where you’re going wrong and how to get back on track.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Feedback? That’s just a nice word for criticism.” Well, yes and no. Sure, it can sting. But it’s also a goldmine of insights. It’s how you learn, how you improve. Without it, you’re just wandering around in the dark.
So, here’s the deal: embrace feedback. Seek it out. Listen to it. And most importantly, use it. It’s the most powerful tool you’ve got to become the best version of yourself. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it.
Boarding The Plane
Absolutely, feedback is your lifeline to improvement and success. It’s like the fuel for your growth engine. Without it, you’re just guessing in the dark. And let’s be real, nobody wants to be that person fumbling around, bumping into things. You need that feedback to light the way, to show you where you’re going wrong and where you can be better.
And don’t just take any feedback. No, you need the right feedback. There’s a lot of noise out there — people who don’t know what they’re talking about, or worse, those who have their own agenda. Be selective. Listen to the ones who know their stuff, who have been where you want to go, and who genuinely want to see you succeed.
Use that feedback like a master craftsman uses their tools. Shape your skills, refine your strategies, hone your approach. It’s not about taking criticism personally. It’s about taking it constructively. Remember, it’s not about proving our mothers wrong — it’s about proving to ourselves that we can be better, we can be great.
So, embrace feedback. Cherish it. It’s the secret sauce of champions. The ones who really make it, who really shine — they’re the ones who listened, learned, and leveraged feedback to its fullest. That’s the path to greatness. And that, my friend, is how you win at the game of business and life.
Brian Fink is the author of The Main Thing is The Main Thing. It’s his way of galvanizing your focus to bring your life’s work to reality. Fink’s impassioned wit and humor tackle the highs and lows of dispelling the constant barrage of interruptions, pings, and distractions that take you away from realizing your main thing.
