Fail, Learn, Improve: My Experiment with Getting Better


The Purpose-Driven Leader Newsletter

ISSUE 16

22 OCTOBER 2024 | READ ONLINE

I want to share something that's been on my mind.

Something I’ve been wrestling with. It’s all about getting 1% better every day.

It sounds simple, right? But in reality, it’s been a rollercoaster.

Here’s the thing: I've been experimenting every day for the last 22 days.

It started with LinkedIn.

Posting daily, tweaking, testing, and trying to get just a little better each time. You might think it's easy to throw something out there and see what sticks, but let me tell you, it's much more challenging when you’re intentional about improvement.

A perfect example happened last week.

I posted a series of five videos, thinking I was on to something big.

But they tanked. Big time.

I mean, hardly any engagement. I thought I was OK with failing in public, mainly because I talk about how failure is part of the process. But then something interesting happened. And I don't want to admit this to you.

I took them down.

Why?

Because they didn’t meet my standards. Even though I’ve preached about perfectionism and how failure is essential for growth, I found myself not living up to my own words. And you know what?

That’s OK. It's part of the journey.

I experimented, I failed, and I learned.

Now, I move forward.

This 1% better challenge?

It’s the same approach Diary of a CEO uses (do you listen to the podcast?). They experiment with everything, from changing a guest’s chair to testing different video thumbnails, always looking for that 1% improvement.

And honestly, that’s been my mindset too.

It's about constantly refining, learning, and evolving, even when you feel like you're failing.

Why Being Stuck Can Feel Safer Than Growing

Here’s where things got even tougher this past week.

I've been getting feedback that hit hard:

"You’re not thinking big enough."

With my career pivot, I’ve focused on serving safety leaders. But maybe, just maybe, I’ve been playing it safe (pardon the pun).

It’s comfortable for me. It’s what I know.

But the feedback cut pretty deep.

"Why are you staying in your comfort zone?"

I realized that helping only safety leaders is short-selling myself (and others).

So, I’m going to pivot.

I’m broadening my focus to purpose-driven leaders. And yes, safety leaders are in that bucket.

It’s scary to admit I might have been limiting myself, but now I’m ready to think bigger and expand my reach.

And I want to ask you, my community: What do you think? Is it safer to stay in your comfort zone?

The 1% Growth Mindset

Here’s what I’ve learned over the past 22 days of experimenting and getting 1% better:

  1. Failure Isn’t Final. It’s Feedback: Those videos that tanked? They taught me more about my audience than any “successful” post ever could.
  2. Perfectionism Can Be a Roadblock: Even when I talk about being OK with imperfection, sometimes it’s harder to practice than preach. And that’s OK. Perfectionism is a sneaky thing.
  3. Big Thinking Is Hard, But Necessary: Playing it safe can feel like progress, but it might just be keeping you stuck in comfort. The real magic happens when you think bigger.
  4. Experiment Daily: Whether it's a LinkedIn post, a video, or how you approach a conversation, challenge yourself to experiment, even if it’s just 1% at a time.
  5. Listen to Feedback, But Stay True to You: Yes, I’m rebranding, but I’m not losing sight of who I am. Feedback is gold, but it needs to align with your vision.

What’s Next for You?

If you’re on a similar journey - trying to get just a little better each day - remember, the path is rarely linear. It’s filled with setbacks, doubt, and even moments when you wonder if you’re moving in the right direction.

But here’s the secret: Every experiment, every failure, every piece of feedback is a step forward.

What’s your 1% better going to look like today? Here are some resources that might help you as you think about getting 1% better:

Until next time, keep experimenting and moving forward, no matter how small the steps feel.

Also, if you’re curious about how this rebranding journey unfolds or want to be part of the next phase of my work, stick around. There’s a lot more coming.

Before I leave you, here's a quick reminder that this new, ever-evolving, 1% better business of mine offers services that could help you.

Let me know if you'd like to learn more, or even better, forward this email to someone else who might find my services a good fit.

🔹 1:1 Coaching:
If you're ready for real transformation, my coaching program is here to help you break through your limitations and create a career you’re genuinely proud of. Schedule a discovery call.

🔹 Design Your Brilliant Future:
This program is for the bold ones ready to define and chase their vision. It’s not just about career planning but about reshaping your professional trajectory with purpose and intention. Join here.

🔹 Speaking and Workshop Facilitation:
Are you looking for a keynote or someone to facilitate your workshop? Hit me up, and we can chat. Some workshop ideas include storytelling for purpose-driven leaders, overcoming imposter syndrome, and becoming a more confident and influential leader.

Until next week, keep getting 1% better.

Megan

Megan Tranter

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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Dr. Megan Tranter

CEO of Purpose Pathfinders. I’m here to help empower purpose-driven leaders to elevate their impact and influence. Expect real advice, insights, and honesty (the highs and the lows) from someone who’s been in the boardroom and out in the field. Former Netflix, Amazon and PepsiCo executive.

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