When I wrote The Potential Principle, I delved into what drives people to improve. The findings were eye-opening. Here’s what I discovered about people’s commitment to getting better:
Commitment Is High, But Follow-Through Falls Short
A promising 59% of people say they are very committed to self-improvement. This reflects an encouraging mindset—most of us want to get better. But here’s the rub: only 30% have a specific plan to do so. Another 20% have a plan that needs updating, while 39% are operating with vague intentions. Alarmingly, 11% have no plan at all.
The takeaway? Commitment without a plan is at best like embarking on a road trip without a map. At worst is it wishful thinking.
Action Matters
Improvement requires consistent effort. Nearly half (48%) of people take steps to get better on a weekly basis, while 18% do so monthly. However, 15% admit to taking action less than once a month. Consistent improvement, as we know, isn’t achieved through occasional bursts of effort but through sustained, intentional actions.
Why Do People Strive to Improve?
The motivations behind self-improvement are fascinating. Here’s what drives people, ranked in order of importance:
Beliefs – Core values and personal principles are the strongest motivators.
Pride – A sense of self-respect pushes many to strive for better.
Enjoyment of the Challenge – The journey itself can be deeply fulfilling.
Loyalty to the Team – Dedication to colleagues or peers inspires growth.
Loyalty to the Employer – Commitment to the organization plays a role.
Monetary Rewards – Surprisingly, only 11% are driven by bonuses or raises.
This list reveals that the most powerful motivators are internal. People don’t chase improvement for external rewards as much as they do for personal satisfaction and alignment with their values.
The Principle in Practice
The findings affirm the core message of The Potential Principle: getting better isn’t just about wanting to improve—it’s about taking deliberate action, guided by a clear plan, and fueled by meaningful motivations.
Ask yourself: Am I as committed to getting better as I want to be? Do I have a plan? Am I taking consistent steps? If you’re ready to elevate your growth, align your actions with your values, create a specific plan, and take steps weekly—if not daily. After all, potential isn’t something you have; it’s something you activate.
Getting better starts with a decision, but real progress is made in the execution. Let’s not settle for just wanting to improve—let’s make it happen.