Are you willing to give up the comfort of average for something better?
When average business results no longer are enough, average performance is no longer appealing, or an average life is no longer desirable, we are left with a choice.
The choice comes down to a question: Do I need to try harder or try “different”?
Many will tell us to work harder, press on, and keep pushing until things get better. TRY HARDER is the mantra!
However, from what I have experienced over the years, trying harder is not the issue. I seldom lacked effort in anything I was pursuing, but results didn’t always equate to the effort. I didn’t need to work harder, but I did need different results.
Whether it’s your business organization, team, or you personally, I suspect that often that’s the case with you as well. You don’t need to try harder, care more, or work longer hours.
The key to generating different results for us may be a different strategy, approach, or plan. It could be a different perspective, a change in personnel, or a new process. The key is finding the “right different”. Doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting better results, well, we know how that story ends.
While I stress focusing on inputs and not outcomes, we can’t ignore the results. If our current input focus is not leading to the results we need, we might need a change.
If our business results are not what we need, we need to consider change. If our team is not winning at the level we desire, we need to consider change. If our life is not fulfilling, maybe we need to consider a change.
The sad fact is that many will accept average because they don’t want to change. Maybe it’s a strong conviction to our current plan or approach that keeps us from considering change. It could be that average is tolerable and comfortable for now, but that feeling may not last.
In John 10:10 Jesus says that he came that we might have life and have it abundantly. He didn’t say that we might live an average life. He didn’t promise ease and comfort, but he said life and an abundant life. When I read that verse, I hear fulfillment, joy, and peace during challenging times.
Here is a thought progression for you to consider for your organization, team, or even individually:
- Are you willing to seek more than a comfortably average outcome or life?
- Are you willing to embrace change, embrace some risk, and seek better?
- Are you willing to hold fast to your convictions and standards, but be open to new methods and ideas?
- Are you willing to make changes to old plans, existing processes, and even people in positions to move forward?
I have found it much easier to take something broken and make it better than take something that is comfortably average and make it great. Going from average to great means walking away from some “good things” to seek “better things”.
If you are searching for better, your key may be “different”, not “trying harder”!
Doug equips leaders to make organizations better. He has two leadership books available on all online platforms. Whether you are looking for a speaker for your next event or a leadership coach to develop people and build an authentic team, contact Doug at doug.strickel@gmail.com and learn more about PLUS
