A group of academic psychology researchers conducted a longitudinal study of children. It wasn’t long term, but did take place over a time period. They were curious about growth versus static mindset. A task was given to a group of kids. Some kids were given feedback that involved verbs—you worked well, you did your practice consistently, and so forth. Another group was given noun feedback—you are so smart, you are a good athlete, and so forth.
Later, the kids were given a similar task. The ones praised with nouns, did not perform better. The ones praised with verbs continued to improve.
I’m standing on the mezzanine at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont, IL. Soon competition at the Illinois club state finals will commence. I brought my granddaughter who made the 800 meter freestyle relay team for her club that qualified from the regional championships. There must be hundreds of young athletes here who have worked hard all season in order to qualify to be here.
Starting at the beginning of the season when as a younger person in her age group she didn’t think she had a shot at the regionals. I told her every week, just be a little better this week than last. And at the end of the season she swam in eight events at the regionals. I’m sure all of the other swimmers have a similar story.
We adults pursuing the spiritual life may feel like these kids at the beginning of the season. There is no way we can infuse all this spiritual teaching and practice into our lives. But 1% better every day. We consistently read daily. We consistently meditate daily. We consistently pray daily. We perform acts of service as often as we can.
Then if we pause at the end of a month or year, we can see how our life has changed. We don’t only know the fruit of the spirit, that fruit is even more present in our daily life. We feel at peace. We exhibit more patience. We live with a warm inner joy. People notice our love of others, our kindness, goodness, faithfulness, goodness, and self-control.
Practice. 1% better every day. I can tell you from personal experience—it works.
Faith Venture 
Leave a comment