Embracing the Journey: The Power of Process and Personal Growth
In a world that often glorifies perfection, as a now self-published author, I feel like I have a powerful message to share. I've learned a lot through writing and publishing my first book. One of the most profound things that have been highlighted is actually not a new concept. However, it is the one that God kept working on me with. What is it?
Embracing the process over fixating on perfection.
This is the exact method that puts you on the track to transformation. That's always the point, right? Even when it looks like 'publishing the book', 'taking the next job', 'parenting the kids'- none of the things are supposed to lead to a perfect outcome or be perfect in the midst, they are a part of your own process of transformation in your relationship with Jesus. This track has been one that has been reshaped and given more clarity to my perspective on personal growth and excellence over the last few weeks.
In the most recent episode of my podcast, I share through my own experiences and attempt to highlight the invaluable lessons learned from prioritizing the journey rather than fixating on flawless outcomes. The biggest example I draw on is the relentless editing process of a final manuscript. You guys, I about threw my computer through the wall....true story. I finally started laughing at myself at the ridiculous level of tantrum I had entered into over formatting my book. Funny, not funny. All because I did not want to release a book that had any error whatsoever. Guess what? Even with a number of professional editors AND my own eyes- that first copy of my book (that many of you may have in your hands) has errors!
Oh the agony!
Here's the deal....my own process hasn't been perfect; I think that God was making a point for me. He wasn't even expecting perfection, He was expecting me to learn and grow and develop and transform choosing to do things excellently rather than perfectly. I was making the wrong choice. My choice was motivated in an ultimate goal, rather than what Jesus was doing with me through this season. Now that I've turned away from that notion (repentance!), I can reenter into the joy and beauty of publishing this book with God. The other powerful opportunity I've recognized is that it's also OK to take responsibility for error, learn from it and move on RATHER THAN insulate from the error and draw identity from the outcomes. You hear me? You can easily find where you have placed your identity in the way that you respond to your own error. There is a stark contrast between a performance-based identity and one rooted in faith, that is why the significance of integrity and the willingness to learn and improve is so important. I believe this echoes a timeless truth: the pursuit of excellence is not about flawless execution, but about the continuous journey of growth and learning from mistakes. 2 Corinthians 3:18 reminds us:
"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit."
Again, it was never God's intention for us to STRIVE or work towards perfection. He's a relational God that is in it for eternity with us as we become more and more like Jesus. Processes NEVER look perfect, but they can be marked by our willingness to choose or abstain from learning.
We see this often.
In an era marked by the relentless pursuit of flawlessness, the emphasis on recognizing conversational patterns and steering away from the elusive quest for perfection strikes a chord with many....amen? How many of us in any part of our life have celebrated the progress over the areas we aren't "enough"? Process is often overshadowed by the "dips, errors, mistakes, etc". Process, in our society, gives ZERO margin for error. Perfection becomes a façade that everyone hides behind to avoid persecution, rejection and shame. I believe we have an opportunity to change that narrative as believers and THROUGH our own processes, give people the permission to grow. Rather than being consumed by the pressure of achieving perfection, the focus shifts towards personal growth and the value that it holds. The reality is- each of us has a unique journey, with all its ups and downs, and it's at those points that the greatest opportunity for change, growth and transformation are presented. Furthermore, we ALL have an opportunity to choose to encourage and edify our brothers and sisters around us rather than cast shade. It's easy to be reactive, it is wisdom and restraint to be responsive. PS...the more influence you have the more I believe you will be given the opportunity to practice all of this. God IS shaking things up. It's not to the detriment of anyone, it is for our good and on purpose to expose any places in any of us that aren't rooted in Christ.
Here is a relevant real-life example from the world of women’s basketball. If you're not aware of the Sheryl Swoopes interview regarding Caitlin Clark, feel free to look up the details online. My point in bringing attention to this is not to shame or guilt Ms. Swoopes, but it does offer a compelling narrative that underscores the impact of stewarding influence well and handling mistakes with integrity. Ms. Swoopes has found herself in error and, I would suggest, is demonstrating a very real example of the problem with identity founded in performance (perfection) vs identity in Christ which would lead her to address her mistake and move through a process of excellence towards restoration. Yet, currently, this decorated leader of women's sports has chosen to protect herself rather than address her error and give space to transformation and excellence. She has bought into her own narrative that covers her error in her own truth- the enemy came only to steal, kill and destroy. You know how easy it is for him to execute his plans when we have secured our identity in the things we have done, the influence we have garnered- in public opinion? How many times have any of us created our own narrative to protect ourselves from the impact of our error? We were all toddlers once, so you can't say never! Yet, this happens ALL THE TIME in our culture. I don't think we need to be casting shade on people that struggle with identity, but it is important to LEARN from other's processes and lives in order to avoid the same pitfalls. We, as the adults of this generation, need to be able to create an infrastructure and culture for those that we are mentoring and leaving this world to that give PERMISSION FOR PROCESS and CELEBRATES their victories especially when they surpass ours. I don't want my kids to peak at what I've experienced- I want them to go so far beyond what I can ask or imagine. I don't want my peers to be impressed with or limited by my life- I want them to excel and exceed so that I can get a glimpse and taste of something I wouldn't have had access to otherwise. God has empowered us to have kingdom response rather than fleshly reactions and it is out of the overflow of our relationship with Jesus that we demonstrate this which contrasts sharply with the prevalent culture of scrutinizing and canceling others, shedding light on the transformative power of embracing personal growth and development.
I encourage all of us to do some self-reflection (remember that half-time example!) on personal limitations and the pursuit of excellence. This isn't to guilt or shame you (take that and cast it out!) It is to inspire all of us to embody a culture of growth and development, one that transcends mere achievement and resonates with the very essence of personal and spiritual fulfillment- one that becomes a cultural revolution to sustain a legacy of kingdom living rather than sprinkled, limited revival.
In a world fixated on the end result, I hope this serves as a timely reminder that the true value lies in the journey, the process, and the growth that accompanies it with Jesus. Embracing the journey, with all its imperfections and uncertainties, is where the magic of personal development unfolds; it's where we find we're becoming more and more like Him. It is in this journey that God values our growth more than the end result—a powerful truth that has the potential to reshape mindsets and inspire transformative change. John 17:3
Our society often values perfection over progress, but we are not of this world; not of this society. We have the power to shift the norm, change the narrative and give excellence to the process.
This is a call to action. I encourage you to seek personal growth and development, embodying a culture of excellence that transcends mere performance. I beseech you to be less concerned about everyone around you and pursue integrity and identity in Jesus for yourself.
We are living in amazing days.
This road ahead is illuminating a path towards a more fulfilling and purpose-driven approach to personal and professional endeavors all within the context of relationship with Jesus.
Are you on this path?
For more on this post, check out the most recent episode on Lyndsie's podcast HERE
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