XThe Consequence of 90%

Don't give yourself excuses and you won't have any regrets

We've all heard coaches say give 110%. What the hell does that mean?

I'm not sure about 110%, but the consequences of only giving 90% can be real challenges to growing with change. Think back on a time when you gave 100%. I bet, regardless of the outcome, you were proud of yourself at the end of the day.

While personal pride is at stake when giving less than 100%, there's a second consequence called excuses. When you give 90% and the project fails you have an excuse. You can say if I had worked 10%
harder or done 10% more it would've been successful. This can keep you from recognizing the need for dramatic or systemic changes.

The secret, disempowering phrases I hear a lot are "We just have to do a better job of executing", "We just need to pay closer attention to these things", "We just need to communicate better". While these comments may be true and may help explain why things didn't work out they ultimately they don't really help you grow.

Stop giving less than 100% and you'll recognize the need for change a lot quicker.