Have you ever marveled at how quickly kids grow — both mentally and physically? The most rapid development occurs between birth and age five, when nearly 85% of the brain is formed. After that, growth slows, shifting from rapid expansion to steady refinement. Learning and growth, however, continue throughout life as skills sharpen, thinking deepens, and emotional insight grows. But how you approach that growth is a choice: Some actively cultivate their health, mindset, and personal development, while others do not — and that choice has consequences. Are you better today than you were yesterday?

When some people think of personal development, they limit it to job performance. In reality, you can better yourself in everything including moral character, attitude, and spiritual growth; relationships, hobbies, fitness, or skills like cooking — and even enjoying life itself.

The key is to try.

Why? In times of rapid change, standing still is falling behind.

Getting a little better every day boosts confidence, performance, and personal fulfillment. Once you adopt this approach in one area, it naturally carries over to others. But, if it’s so beneficial, why isn’t everyone doing it?

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses

Here are 15 excuses people use to avoid the hard work of getting better:

Payoff. “What exactly will I gain?”

Complacency. “I’m already successful today. Why fix what isn’t broken?”

Ego. “I already know most of this.”

Age. “I’m retiring soon. Why bother?”

Time. “I’m too busy for this.”

Attitude. “I’m not getting paid for it.”

Initiative. “I’ll wait till someone tells me to.”

Personal sacrifice. “That’s more effort than I’m willing to give.”

Short-term thinking. “This won’t pay off for years.”

Denial. “This doesn’t apply to me.”

Entitlement. “I’ve paid my dues; let someone else do it.”

Defensiveness. “Why are you always criticizing me?”

Fear of failure. “What if I mess up?”

Comfort. “I like the way things are.”

Laziness. “Can you pass me another beer?”

Strive to Be Better Today Than You Were Yesterday

Improving yourself doesn’t happen by accident — it takes focus, effort, and intention. Here are 16 concrete strategies to become better than you were yesterday:

1. Keep learning — even when you’re busy.
2. Focus on improving all areas of your life.
3. Be proactive; don’t wait to be spoon-fed.
4. Focus on learning, not just winning.
5. Aim for gradual improvements, not monumental breakthroughs.
6. Rise above challenges — don’t let failure define you.
7. Break routines and old habits.
8. Be curious — explore new ideas and experiences.
9. Broaden your perspective — see the world from different viewpoints.
10. Park your ego at the door.
11. Look in the mirror — strive to be better, not just do better.
12. Honestly critique your actions.
13. Learn from your mistakes — and the mistakes of others.
14. Learn from great role models.
15. Treat feedback as a gift, not a slap in the face.
16. Prioritize consistent progress over the thrill of a single win.

…And Strive to Get Better Every Day

Have you ever been surprised by how much someone changed after not seeing them for a while? Although you don’t notice changes day by day, over time, the difference is undeniable. The same holds true for personal growth. While you may not notice the progress you’re making each day, you can be certain that consistent, positive actions lead to meaningful results.

The key is to strive for continuous improvement in everything you do. After completing a task, ask yourself, “Next time I do this, how could I make it better?” Let that reflection extend to your character: “Am I proud to be the person I see in the mirror?” Also, consider who you look up to and what makes them so special. Over time, this habit of reflection helps you make incremental improvements every day.

It’s not about being the best; it’s about being better than you were yesterday.

The truth is, nobody’s going to make you raise your game; only you can make that decision. Choosing to stagnate isn’t harmless — it comes with consequences, and while you hesitate, the world moves on without you. Not trying isn’t neutral; it’s a quiet way of letting life pass you by. You’re better than that, and deep down, you know it.  The real question is whether you’ll meet the challenge. Are you better today than you were yesterday?

Are You Better Today Than You Were yesterday?

Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.

“Frank Sonnenberg has a rare gift for turning timeless truths into practical wisdom. If This Won’t Get You Thinking, Nothing Will reveals how to live with purpose — inspiring us to reach higher while proving that integrity and compassion never go out of style.”

Angela Maiers, Founder and CEO, Choose2Matter, and recognized as one of the most influential educators in the world

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If This Won’t Get You Thinking, Nothing Will
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Additional Reading:
Do You Do Your Best or Just Enough to Get By?
Win or Lose — Your Attitude Decides
Where Does Confidence Come From?
Keep Learning — Even When You’re Busy
Step Up Your Game
Mediocre Behavior Is a Choice
You Can Do Better

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