Don't Wish It Away: Finding Value in Every Challenge
On July 28, 2025, we held another Learning Pursuit leadership workshop, and the results were exceptional. Three participants shared results of their project development. I challenged them to create a big product or self-improvement activity. All spoke of the journey and how they focused on challenges along the way, overcoming hurdles to reach the finish line.
Their presentations reminded me of my experience during basic training in the United States Air Force.
I was on my hands and knees with a toothbrush. Our drill sergeant told us to use the toothbrush, soap, water, and a bucket to clean every crevice on the barracks floor. We were not experts at cleaning floors, especially with a toothbrush, but he aggressively assured us that a toothbrush was an extremely valuable military tool, especially in cleaning floors. We were not going to argue with him.
As I was diligently cleaning the floor, I commented to the airman next to me, "I can't wait to get out of basic training!" He stopped scrubbing with his toothbrush, looked up at me, and replied, "I don't wish any part of my life away. I can still learn during the hard times."
My friend had great advice!
All leadership team members encountered problems with their projects, but like the airman, they learned something and were quick to tell their story about what they learned during the journey.
Here are a few examples:
Kyra facilitated a community event. She shared how she overcame problems by getting feedback during planning, on the day of the event, and after the event. Each challenge she encountered will make her next event even more successful.
Luc set a goal to improve his time in the 75-yard dash. His running club featured a five-week competition schedule. He improved his time from 21 seconds to 17 seconds over the five weeks. He and his mom evaluated each race and improved his running technique each week. He can't wait for the next club event.
Ryan focused on self-improvement by reducing his video gaming time. He described how he had to change his habit of playing. He knew he had to change — the game was hurting his eyes and brain. He cut his gaming time in half by using a timer and calendar. He learned that the time gained was more valuable, and he feels better.
I am extremely proud of our leadership team members. All of the presentations were from the heart, prepared well, and each presenter accomplished what they set out to achieve. The presentation assignment provided experience in developing a big project and then presenting about the experience.
Focusing on the moment benefits those who understand how this skill connects to learning. No matter how challenging the situation may be, we can learn from the experience and apply what we've learned in the future. Never wish your life away — life is too short, and all parts of our lives can be valuable as we press forward.
Mentoring perspective:
Challenge your mentee with a self-improvement project. Allow them to identify an area in their life that they know is a challenge or problem, then have them create a plan on how to fix the problem. When they present their outcomes, identify and focus on the actions they took to overcome challenges throughout the process. Look at the outcome and the process leading to success. What they learn can be used in the future.
Questions:
When you encounter a challenge, do you ever wish that it would go away? What is a better way to think about challenges so that you can benefit from the experience?
Why do you think my military drill sergeant had recruits cleaning a floor with toothbrushes? What were we learning?
As you are developing a major project, how do you evaluate your progress?
After completing a major project, what strategy would you use to ensure that your next project goes even better and is even more successful?
