Evaluation: The Key to Growth and Success
They say insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results. Yet, so many of us fall into this trap. We push forward, convinced that more effort will yield success, when in reality, what we need isn’t just persistence—it’s evaluation.
Practice doesn’t make perfect. It makes permanent. If we’re practicing the wrong things, we’re simply reinforcing bad habits. If we want to improve, we must be willing to take a step back and assess what’s working and what’s not. That requires humility—the willingness to say, “I might be wrong.”
Those words are difficult to say, but they open the door to growth. When we admit we don’t have all the answers, we give ourselves the opportunity to learn from others. And that’s where wisdom begins.
Accepting Advice
A wise person seeks counsel. Proverbs 15:22 reminds us, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.” The best leaders, entrepreneurs, and teachers know they don’t have all the answers. That’s why they surround themselves with mentors, peers, and even critics who can provide insight.
Some of the most successful people in history actively sought out advice. Thomas Edison famously tested thousands of materials before finding the right filament for the lightbulb. He didn’t do it alone—he consulted chemists, engineers, and other inventors. He embraced feedback, adjusted his approach, and ultimately succeeded.
This principle was evident in the lives of people featured in my Seven Habits books. Bill Gates realized early on that while he had a vision for Microsoft, he needed the expertise of others to make it a reality. He sought out business partners and advisors who could challenge his thinking and refine his strategies. Similarly, Patrick Mahomes constantly reviews his game footage, listens to coaches, and adjusts his approach to improve his performance. Their willingness to evaluate and accept advice propelled them to greatness.
Michael Jordan, another example from my Seven Habits books, learned early in his career that raw talent wasn’t enough. After being cut from his high school team, he sought out coaches and mentors who could help refine his skills. His relentless evaluation and willingness to change transformed him into one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Oprah Winfrey, too, built her empire through evaluation and adaptation. She sought guidance from industry experts, analyzed audience feedback, and continuously refined her approach. Her willingness to change and improve helped her rise to become one of the most influential media personalities in history.
Accepting advice requires humility. It means acknowledging that someone else may have a better perspective. But it also requires discernment. Not all advice is good advice. The key is to filter through suggestions and apply what aligns with wisdom and truth.
The Wisdom of Crowds
There’s a reason collective wisdom often outperforms individual knowledge. In 1906, British scientist Francis Galton observed a contest where people guessed the weight of an ox. While individual guesses varied widely, the average of all the guesses was nearly perfect. This phenomenon, known as “the wisdom of crowds,” demonstrates that a group’s collective intelligence often exceeds that of any single expert.
This principle is at work in successful businesses, churches, and organizations. Good leaders know the power of gathering input from diverse perspectives. Whether it’s in a boardroom, a small group discussion, or a brainstorming session, the best ideas often emerge from collaboration.
Steve Jobs understood this principle well. Though he had a strong personal vision, he relied on the collective wisdom of his team at Apple. He gathered engineers, designers, and marketers to refine ideas, ensuring the best possible outcomes. The result? Revolutionary products that changed the world.
The Courage to Change
Evaluation isn’t just about gathering information; it’s about having the courage to act on it. If something isn’t working, we must be willing to pivot. This is true in ministry, business, and personal life. If our outreach efforts aren’t effective, maybe we need to adjust our strategy. If our relationships feel strained, perhaps it’s time to communicate differently. If our spiritual life feels stagnant, it may be time to change our habits.
This principle was crucial in the life of César Chávez. He saw that traditional labor protests weren’t bringing the change farmworkers needed. Instead of continuing down the same path, he adjusted his tactics, focusing on nonviolent resistance and nationwide boycotts. His ability to evaluate and change course led to monumental labor reforms.
Similarly, Warren Buffett, one of the world’s most successful investors, constantly evaluates his investment strategies. He has changed course many times throughout his career, adapting to market trends and learning from past decisions. His willingness to pivot and refine his approach has been a key factor in his long-term success.
Jesus often challenged people to rethink their assumptions. In Matthew 5, He repeatedly says, “You have heard that it was said… but I say to you…” He called people to evaluate their traditions, beliefs, and behaviors in light of God’s truth. If we want to grow, we must do the same.
Conclusion
Growth doesn’t come from blind repetition. It comes from thoughtful evaluation. It takes humility to admit we might be wrong, wisdom to seek counsel, and courage to change when needed. If we can embrace these things, we open ourselves to a life of continual improvement and greater impact.
So let’s ask ourselves: What am I doing that isn’t working? Who can offer me insight? And most importantly, am I willing to change?
