Two questions we need to answer to get better at anything

By Brian Maynor

 

No matter what it is, we can all get better at it if we really want to.

The inherent problem with improving is that it isn’t easy, comfortable or instantaneous.  Working to get better at something takes a lot of hard work, dedication, consistency and patience.

It doesn’t matter if we are working toward a personal goal or a professional one, the rules are the same, and so are the two fundamental questions we have to ask ourselves.  Now, asking the questions isn’t the important part of the process.  The important part is answering them honestly.

Here are the two questions we all need to honestly answer before we can get better at anything:

Do we want to get better?

This may seem like a pretty simple question, and in reality it is, but it is important nonetheless.  If we are honestly happy with our performance level and don’t want to improve, then there is no need to waste our time, effort and energy or those of anyone else in pursuit of improvement.  No amount or quality of coaching is going to make us better if we honestly have no desire to get better.

Are we willing to feel uncomfortable putting in more effort and trying new things knowing they will feel strange and not work right away?

This is the hard work that is uncomfortable, tedious and frustrating we have to endure it patiently and persistently before we can even begin to see results.  We’ve reached our current level of proficiency doing things one way, but maintaining those practices isn’t going to move us forward any more.  Pursuing improvement means willingly being uncomfortable and repeatedly failing for nominal movement forward in the beginning.  Our commitment to getting better is what keeps us going and makes it possible to endure the setbacks and embarrassments.

Knowing that the road to improvement is difficult is why we have to ask ourselves these two questions at the very beginning, and answer them honestly.  If either answer is ‘no’, there is absolutely no need to put any more time, energy or effort into the idea and we should move on and invest those resources into something else.

Fortunately these answers aren’t set in stone.  We all have priorities, and sometimes we have to place some improvements on hold for awhile, but once we are ready to commit to the process they will be there waiting for us.

 

 

I’m always excited to hear from you, so please email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.