The Power of Yet (And Why My Pickleball Game Is Teaching Me About Leadership)

I love Pickleball! But… I’m not good at it… yet. I’ve always said my goal is just to suck less each time I play. 😄 That might sound like low ambition, but it’s actually a pretty solid mindset—for the court and for life. Because here’s the truth: growth doesn’t always look like a win. Sometimes it looks like a little more consistency, a little less frustration, and a little more fun in the process.

I’ve seen this in coaching and leadership too. Leaders beat themselves up for not having all the answers. Coaches get discouraged when a client isn’t progressing fast enough. High performers feel stuck when a new challenge doesn’t come easy. But just like in Pickleball, the key is progress, not perfection.

That tiny word—yet—makes a huge difference.
“I’m not good at this yet.”
“I haven’t figured it out yet.”
“I don’t know how to lead through this yet.”

It’s a mindset shift that creates space for growth, grace, and momentum. It keeps the door open. So whether you’re learning a new skill, stepping into a new role, or coaching someone through change—remember: You don’t have to be great right away. You just have to be willing to keep showing up and suck a little less each time. 😉