What to Avoid?

by Scott Harper

“Regret is a form of perfectionism.”

Rangan Chatterjee

February 18, 2026

Do you want to improve—as a leader, spouse, family member, friend, or person?

Do you hope to get better but just aren’t sure where to begin?

I frequently hear people say they want to get better—finances, physical activity, nutrition habits, relationally, reading, praying, you name it.

Gyms around the world stay in business thanks to the automatically deducted membership fees of wanters and hopers.

Wanting and hoping won’t move the needle on your improvement meter.

Most of us have great intentions, but intention without action is as useful as wet fireworks. You can try to light them, but you’ll just have to yell “Boom!”

There are numerous philosophies on strategies for success, but each one requires the same thing: do something.

So, the real question isn’t: “What do you want to improve?” It’s “What step are you willing to take to move you further down the path from wanting to doing?”

SHARPER LEADER:

1.   Do you know where you want to improve?

  • Action Step: Write down one specific thing you want to improve. Focus only on that one thing. Document your progress, struggles, and action steps.

 

2.   Do you know anyone who wants to improve at the same thing?

  • Action Step: Find an accountability partner and encourage one another on the journey.

 

3.   Why do you want to improve?

  • Action Step: Write down your “why,” and share it with your accountability partner. When things get tough, refer to it for motivation.

 

Recommended book: Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results by James Clear

Before next week’s The Sharper Minute: Instead of focusing on past failures, track your successes and build on them. Write them down and remind yourself regularly that you can do it! Small wins and short setbacks are better than the biggest intentions.

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Lead. Learn. Grow.