The Starting Point of all Improvement

This is the tenth in a series of 16 daily posts celebration things I've learned in 16 years in business. Please scroll down to read others, and if you want to read the introductory post to the series, you can do so here.

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I was very fortunate to grow up with supportive parents; parents that loved me, supported me, and believed in me. Looking back, while I knew those things, and valued them, I didn't necessarily realize that this wasn't every one's life experience. the older I get, the more I see that not everyone had that experience. And the more I think about it, the more I value those things from my parents and others close to me then . . . and now.

In my work with, and speaking and writing to leaders, I often talk about this important starting point that too often gets left out of discussions of leadership and life success.

It is left out because it is assumed, or perhaps misunderstood. Yet since it is too often lacking, it is ultra important that we talk about it.

The starting point of all improvement, all growth, all project success, all creativity, all coaching, and much more is belief.

If you don't believe someone will succeed, will you help them (or help them as effectively)?

If you don't believe the project will work, will you give it your all?

If you don't believe the effort is worth it, will you expend it?

If you don't believe it is possible, do you realize it isn't?

And let me get more personal. . .

If you don't believe in yourself, will you ever reach your potential?

If you don't believe in yourself, will you even try?

I sometimes end emails or notes, and sometimes even phone calls with: "I believe in you."

People need to know that you DO believe in them. Our belief will help build their belief and their hope, and is an far-underestimated part of our ability to help others.

This idea or lesson was on my list of posts for this series. But it rose to become today's post when I say this video yesterday.

Watch it, listen to it, and ask yourself this question.

Do YOU believe in you?
(Because even that needs to come before you can believe 100% in others.)

Labels: belief, confidence, learning

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