You are Great and Getting Better: Balancing Confidence and Growth

The start of a new year can be a time of reflection and renewal. It’s when many of us feel inspired to set goals, make resolutions, and embrace the idea of “New Year, New You.” Yet, this relentless focus on improvement can feel overwhelming and leave us feeling as though who we are today will never be good enough. American author Flannery O’Connor famously said, “Accepting oneself does not preclude an attempt to become better.” This powerful insight reminds us that self-acceptance and growth are not opposing ideas; in fact, they work hand in hand.

At Bell Leadership Institute, our founder Dr. Gerald Bell often says, “You are great and getting better!” This phrase encapsulates the harmony between appreciating who we are today and striving for growth tomorrow. It’s a philosophy that empowers leaders and individuals alike to embrace their strengths, accept that they aren’t perfect, and strive to build themselves.

Embracing the “Both-And” Mindset

The tension between self-acceptance and self-improvement often feels like an either-or choice: either you embrace yourself as you are, or you work tirelessly to change. But this is a false dichotomy; both can coexist. You can celebrate your accomplishments, talents, and unique qualities while also acknowledging areas for growth.

When we start from a place of self-awareness, we build a foundation of confidence and authenticity. From there, we can focus on meaningful growth that aligns with our values and aspirations. Growth isn’t about trying to be someone else; it’s about consciously becoming the best version of yourself.

The Leadership Perspective

This balance is especially critical in leadership. Great leaders are those who embrace their strengths while actively working to improve their skills and behaviors. Self-acceptance fosters transparency and trust, allowing leaders to connect deeply with their teams. Simultaneously, the drive to grow inspires others to do the same, building a culture of innovation, resilience, and positive impact.

As You Consider Your Goals

When setting your personal goals for this year, think in terms of “great and getting better”:

• Identify What Makes You Great: Reflect on the qualities, skills, and accomplishments that you and others recognize as your strengths. What do you excel at? What brings you a sense of personal satisfaction?
• Pinpoint Where You Can Get Better: Consider areas where you could improve, particularly those that will have the greatest positive impact on your life and work. Frame these opportunities in a constructive way, such as, “I want to strengthen my ability to prioritize tasks” instead of “I’m bad at managing my time.”
• Set High-Impact Goals: Don’t wait for conditions to be perfect, focus on a few meaningful goals that align with your values and leverage your strengths while addressing areas for improvement.
• Celebrate Your Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate every step forward, no matter how small. Each win is proof that you are great and getting better.

Start the Year with Gratitude and Optimism

As you step into the new year, carry these two truths with you: you are great, and you are getting better. Accepting yourself as you are today doesn’t mean settling; it means honoring the person you’ve become while investing in the person you’re becoming.

At Bell Leadership Institute, we’re here to support you as you grow as a leader. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your leadership skills, improve your ability to positively influence and impact others, or enhance communication and teambuilding, our programs are designed to help you grow while staying true to yourself.