November Reflections: Food for Thought Series

As the air cools and the world around us shifts with autumn colors, crisp weather, and shorter days, I'm taking this November to slow down, reflect, and be truly present. With Thanksgiving only 20 days away, I’ve started my own personal countdown—a time to embrace gratitude and share some thoughts about life, mindset, and growth. These are ideas that have guided me through many phases of my life, and now, as I spend more time working with young people, they keep coming back with new meaning. Even if some of them seem obvious, I find it’s always helpful to revisit and remind ourselves of what really matters.

Each day until Thanksgiving, I’ll share one small, actionable reflection—a "bite-sized" thought that has helped me shift my mindset or stay centered. And this year’s Thanksgiving is extra special, as it marks the first time my parents will visit me in Miami. Every day brings fresh opportunities to approach life with intention and positivity, and I can’t wait to explore these reflections one day at a time.

1. Progress, Not Perfection

This November, I’m focusing on progress. Striving for perfection only sets us up for disappointment since it doesn’t actually exist. Progress, however, is real and attainable. It’s in the little steps we take each day, the tiny wins that lead to growth. Let’s aim for progress, not an illusion of “perfect.”

Thoughts on Progress vs. Perfection:

Perfection isn’t real, yet, we’re constantly bombarded with images and messages suggesting that we should be flawless. Ads, social media, and even casual conversations can make it seem like perfection is the standard.  As I think about it, and put myself in the shoes of my younger self, I feel the confusion .  Particularly when you grow up with sayings like “practice make perfect”. The way I see it, practice doesn’t make “perfect”—it makes progress, and that’s more than enough to yield powerful results.

I can think of so many times I have held back on starting a conversation, launching a project, or finishing a presentation because I was waiting for it to be “perfect”…. This need for perfection can quickly turn into procrastination, creating a barrier that holds us back. On the other hand, focusing on small improvements—a bit better each time—builds momentum and yields incredible returns over time, we just need to trust the process.

So, today, I’m giving myself the grace to be imperfect, to make mistakes, and most importantly to learn from them.

Progress doesn’t just lead to growth; it allows us to live with more authenticity and less pressure, benefiting not only ourselves but those around us too.