A Work in Progress

By Dan Nielsen

March 19, 2020


Have you ever watched one of those time-lapse videos of an artist creating a piece of art? When they first begin, and even halfway through, it’s hard to tell what the final work will be like. Colors and strokes and shapes may seem random, non-cohesive, and unappealing, but each one has a purpose, and eventually, it all comes together into a truly unique and impressive work of art.

I believe the same is true of our lives. Our lives are works in progress, and at any given time there will be aspects of our lives that seem random, non-cohesive, and unappealing. Along with the bright spots there will be dark spots. Along with the neat and orderly there will be chaos and disorder. 

There will be flaws and failures and missteps and confusion. There will be setbacks and frustration. Nothing will be perfect. But at the end of it all, our lives will be crafted into beautiful and completely unique works of art.

Author and leadership expert John C. Maxwell one said,

I always try to remember that I am a work in progress. When I maintain that perspective, I realize that I don’t have to be perfect.”

He is absolutely right. Forget about being perfect. Perfection is a disastrous pipe dream. You, me, nor any other person on the planet will ever be perfect. So celebrate that reality, embrace the “work in progress” that is your life, and go about reaching your potential!

About the author

Dan Nielsen is the author of the books Be An Inspirational Leader: Engage, Inspire, Empower, and Presidential Leadership: Learning from United States Presidential Libraries & Museums. He regularly writes and speaks on leadership excellence and achieving greater success, and is available to deliver keynotes, lead workshops, or facilitate discussions for your group. LEARN MORE

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