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In This Edition of Remarkable Monday
A Step Further
Last week, we explored the transformative effects of a growth mindset, diving into how our beliefs shape our potential. This week, I’m excited to delve into a related concept that’s been on my mind since I watched one of psychologist Carol Dweck’s TED Talks. In her talk, Dweck introduced the idea of “The Power of Yet” versus “The Tyranny of Now”—a concept that can profoundly influence how we approach challenges and growth.
The Inspiration
Carol Dweck’s insights struck a chord with me, particularly her emphasis on the word “Yet.” She explains how simply adding this word to a statement—“I haven’t mastered it yet” or “I don’t understand it yet”—can open up a world of possibilities.
“Yet” implies that learning and growth are ongoing processes, giving us permission to be patient with ourselves. On the other hand, “The Tyranny of Now” is that pressing voice that demands immediate results, convinces us that if we don’t have something right now, we might never get it, and often leaves us feeling inadequate.
The Power of Yet
Saying “Yet” is about recognizing that growth takes time. It’s the mindset that understands that skills, knowledge, and success are developed over time, not instantaneously. It shifts our focus from what we can’t do right now to what we can achieve with time and effort. “Yet” is empowering because it keeps the door open for growth and improvement.
The Tyranny of Now
In contrast, the “Tyranny of Now” is the mindset that demands perfection and instant results. It’s the belief that if we don’t know something immediately, we’re somehow deficient. This pressure can lead to anxiety, burnout, and a sense of inadequacy, stifling our ability to grow. When we fall into the trap of the “Tyranny of Now,” we’re more likely to give up on challenges because we feel we’re not good enough at that moment.
A Small Shift in Language
Imagine you’re learning a new skill, say, public speaking. You’ve always admired people who can easily captivate an audience, but every time you try, you feel awkward and unsure.
The “Tyranny of Now” whispers in your ear, “You’re just not good at this. You don’t have what it takes.” It’s tempting to believe this voice, to avoid the discomfort and stick to what you know.
But now, imagine approaching it with the “Power of Yet.” Instead of telling yourself you’re not good at public speaking, you say, “I’m not confident with public speaking yet.”
This small shift in language changes everything. It allows you to see your current struggles as part of a larger journey of growth. You might not be comfortable on stage now, but with practice, feedback, and time, you could become the speaker you admire.
Embrace “Yet” in Your Language:
Start adding “yet” to your self-talk. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” say, “I can’t do this yet.” It’s a reminder that growth is a process and that you have the potential to improve.
Recognize the Tyranny of Now:
Be aware when you’re falling into the trap of demanding instant results from yourself. Notice when you’re feeling pressured to be perfect right away and remind yourself that mastery takes time.
Set Incremental Goals:
Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate progress along the way, rather than fixating on the end result. This approach aligns with the “Power of Yet” and helps counter the “Tyranny of Now.”
Be Patient with Yourself:
Understand that growth and learning are journeys. It’s okay to be a work in progress. Give yourself permission to not have all the answers right now.
If you are reading this far…
I hope this message finds you well. I’m sharing from my heart in hopes that you will be inspired to unearth and live out your God-given purpose. Hopefully, something I said resonated. I would love to hear from you if so. Please feel free to reach out to me on social media. FYI: I’m mostly active on Instagram these days. If you were forwarded this message, you can subscribe here to receive thoughts like this directly in your inbox. And don’t forget to check out the latest episode of my podcast, ConvoRoom with Mark Allen Patterson.
See you next week,
