Mindset Monday: Progress, Not Perfection, Shapes Growth

Recently I had yet another moment on my long list of moments where I put my foot in my mouth—speaking off the cuff instead of pausing to think through what I was about to say and how it might impact others. I’m quick to beat myself up for it. I tell myself things like, “When will I learn?” “When will I do better at this?” “How could I do that yet again?”

But God.

Two simple, powerful words.

God doesn’t ask me to be perfect, even though society does. He asks me to show up, to try, and to stay teachable. He reminds me that in my weakness, He is strong.

Sometimes I wonder why God even allows me to keep speaking if it means occasionally saying something that hurts someone I love or admire. But maybe that’s the point. It’s an opportunity for Him to shine and for me to remember—it’s not about me at all.

So no, I don’t have to speak perfectly, act perfectly, or perform perfectly. I just have to lean on the One who is perfect.

The Growth Hidden in Imperfection

Progress isn’t found in pretending we never make mistakes. It’s found in letting those mistakes shape us into people who rely on grace more than performance.

Perfection demands performance. Growth welcomes grace.

When you hold yourself to an impossible standard, you create distance between your humanity and God’s mercy. But when you admit you’re still learning, you make space for transformation. The real goal isn’t flawlessness—it’s faithfulness.

Try This

1. Pause before punishment: When you mess up, don’t rush to self-criticism. Take a breath and ask, “What can this moment teach me?”

2. Celebrate the progress: Write down one thing you’ve improved on this month, no matter how small. Growth deserves recognition.

3. Shift your mindset: Replace “I should know better” with “I’m still becoming.” It’s a process, not a failure.

Inviting God

Ask God to help you value progress over perfection. Let Him remind you that His strength shows up most clearly in your weak spots. The moments that humble you are often the very ones that draw you closer to Him.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Let’s Connect

Leave a comment or reach out to me via the website—let’s talk about how this has sparked your desire for better living. I’ll see you back here tomorrow for Truthbomb Tuesday. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss any future posts.

If today’s message spoke to you, you’ll love my book My Pocket Counselor—it offers perspective-shifting truth and faith-filled guidance to help you grow emotionally and spiritually, one step at a time.