Many years ago, a very simple quote came to me. “Any progress is progress.”
Then, just last night, I heard it put this way:
“Progress is better than perfection.”
These wise words came from Greg Harden, the mental fitness coach of Tom Brady, Michael Phelps and many other exceptional human beings.
I was invited by a friend to Mr. Harden’s lecture, and I could tell within minutes that this guy was brilliant. As a renowned life coach, world-class athlete inspirer, and motivational speaker, I could tell he was an expert on humans. I was in the presence of a great man, and I connected with him immediately.
BTW, his new book is called “Stay Sane in an Insane World.” How great of a title is that?
What he shared last evening was a mix of powerful, potent, and practical advice. I was inspired. Greatness lies in who you really are. Being hungry and humble makes you teachable. Progress is better than perfection. It got me thinking further on this subject.
You and I are a work IN PROGRESS.
Not in regress.
Not digress.
If you are in a place in life you’d rather not be, remind yourself of this.
Do not go backwards in life, seek ways to move forward.
In actuality, this is the only possible direction we can go.
Life is moving forward, whether you or I like it or not.
So travel forward. Progress.
I’ve heard it said before that God is…
1. With us
2. For us
3. Bringing us, pulling us into the future. (See Jeremiah 29:11)
Do not self-destruct.
Do not deconstruct.
Instead, I encourage you to be constructive.
Build, make, shape, form, fashion, imagine, create.
God is the Creator, therefore, you can be creative. Take cues from him.
I personally believe that humans are filled with the most joy, purpose, and meaning when we are creating. When we are producing and being fruitful. Growing, thriving, progressing.
Think about it. A fruit tree only has one purpose—to produce.
In this life, you are a work in progress.
You are God’s masterpiece.
A new creation skillfully and artfully created, made by God himself.
You are God’s handiwork, his poem, his poiema. (See Ephesians 2:10)
Speaking of poems, here’s one I wrote on the second day of the new year. I had this verse in mind.
Solo Ascent
1/1 (January first)
This is the year of upward journeys
The beginning is near
I am determined and resolved—
The second half will be greater than the first
I was built for this resistance
The trajectory is onward and upward
Elevation, jubilation,
And songs of ascent
I will carry the banner
The torch of inspiration
Will not be threatened by A.I.
Divine Breath intact
The Craftsman is awakened
I traverse the lands of creativity
Exploration, excavation
The Artisan—God’s poiema—at work
My soul is the size of Kansas
My life, the canvas.
I’m going on a solo ascent this year. Actually, I’m happy to take anyone with me. Consider this an invitation. How about you? Ephesians 2:10. Can you believe that God was and is preparing for you to do the most good while you’re alive? Prepared in advance, waiting for us.
Scripture is full of all these images and metaphors of God as an artist. And we are his canvas. We are the material in which he works from.
God is the potter, you are the clay.
God is the author and finisher.
Submit, surrender to his authorship.
Your life will progress in many new, exciting, unpredictable ways.
There are many good chapters left in your story to be written.
Towards art, inspiration and progress, may you move forward.