4 Steps to Continuous Improvement

"Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning." -- Benjamin Franklin

It's awfully hard to reach the destination if we never truly commit to making the journey. We can map out the trip, look at the flights, plan an itinerary, and even purchase some of the items we need. We might even hang pictures on the mirror as a daily reminder of where we plan to go and repeat certain phrases that keep our dream destination top of mind. We tell ourselves we're making progress, and we may believe it to be true -- but in reality unless we take specific action, we are no closer to where we want to be. If the cycle continues, we never will be.

Success, much like our dream destination, rarely comes in a single bound. It is more likely to be reached in a series of steps. Some may seem small and insignificant -- and are most likely taken without fanfare, without applause, and even without notice. In today's world of instant celebrity and the desire for quick gratification, this alone may discourage many from ever taking the trip -- or even reading any further. So be it.

To truly reach the pinnacle of success, however we choose to define it, we will most likely need to pass through the portal of continuous improvement. While it won't always be the most exciting journey and we will certainly reach points where we just want to stop, it is a trip worth taking. Continuous improvement can only come through continuous commitment and that continuous commitment is demonstrated in these four key steps.

1. Teachability: Continuous growth is built on a foundation of continuous learning. Ray Kroc once said: "When you're green, you're growing. When you're ripe, you rot." I agree. There is no stopping point in which everything we've taken in remains perfectly preserved. We're either in the process of growth or in the process of decline -- and the choice is ours. To grow, we must progress from merely teaching to being teachable. At the very moment we think we've learned all we need to know, the signs of rust and rot are already showing up.

2. Variety: Taking in information from various sources and formats is a critical component to effective learning. Books, audio, podcasts, and video are all great sources for learning and each has specific value in activating our senses and getting them involved in the learning process. While we may have a tendency to favor one over the other, it is important that we explore the advantages of each. I like to keep books in both hard copy and electronic versions in order to maximize reading time. Having a book accessible by smartphone allows me to redeem the time that is otherwise spent waiting for clients, prospects, doctors, etc. I also like to listen to podcasts and other audio while driving. I have to make the trip anyway; I might as well turn off the radio and learn something.

3. Quality of Content: To effectively learn and grow, we must be consistent in our commitment. We fully understand the need to feed our bodies on a daily basis -- and whether we do so or not, we also understand the benefits of a healthy diet. Do we apply the same commitment to feeding our mind? Just as daily "junk food" will eventually break down our physical health, "junk information" takes its toll on the mind -- and there are plenty of places to get it. How many times has an hour of TV turned into several hours? In spite of our best intentions, the time is gone and what do we have to show for it? What have we really learned? I believe 15 minutes with a good book will do more for consistent learning than 15 hours of average TV intake.

4. Consistent Application: All the books in the world won't do us a bit of good if we are not committed to taking them off the shelf and opening them up. Take a look at your bookshelf. Are there books that you've bought or been given sitting there gathering dust? Are there partially read books with bookmarks prominently poking out sitting on your desk or nightstand just waiting for your return? How about your CD rack, Internet bookmarks, and other areas of information storage? In spite of our best intentions, its way too easy to procrastinate and let other priorities crowd out the time we've committed to learning. To prevent this from happening, I suggest setting minimum goals for yourself. Reading just 15 minutes per day will allow you to finish the average book in about a month. What would the information contained in 12 good books do for you over the next year? What would one 20-30 minute audio or podcast per day do to improve your sales, leadership, or relationship skills? Small changes can make a big difference in daily habits. Why not give it your best?

Continuous improvement is a mindset and it is a decision. It takes determination and it takes time. Most of all it takes commitment and perseverance -- regardless of our circumstances and regardless of our doubts and fears. What's possible for you?

About the Author: Terry Crouson is the Owner and Head Coach at Silver Coach Solutions, LLC and is currently doing business as The Growth Coach of West Metro Detroit. He is dedicated to helping business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and self-employed professionals find their way by finding their why. He is a highly respected business coach, speaker, facilitator, and community builder. Terry is certified in the Strategic Mindset Process, and is also a DISC Certified Behavioral Consultant.