The “Why Not?” Measure: My Journey of Self-Improvement

What if the only person you needed to compete with was the version of yourself from yesterday? I’ve found that life changes profoundly when you shift your focus inward, measuring growth not against others, but against yourself.

Years ago, I walked out of prison carrying nothing but hope and determination. It was the beginning of a self-improvement journey that taught me how to ask the most important question of my life: “Why not?” Why not become better? Why not grow? Why not change my story? Today, I want to share how this mindset shaped my path, the lessons I learned, and how you can apply this approach in your own life.

The Pitfalls of External Comparison

When I first began rebuilding my life, comparison was a constant temptation. Scrolling through social media or watching others’ seemingly smooth lives unfold made me wonder if I could ever catch up. But here’s what I learned about comparing yourself to others:

• It can lead to jealousy. Seeing success stories without acknowledging the struggles behind them creates a distorted view of reality, breeding resentment.
• It creates despair. When your challenges feel bigger than your peers’, it’s easy to feel like you’re starting from too far behind.
• It can make you complacent. If you’re “ahead” of someone else, it may feel like you’re done growing—which stops progress in its tracks.

For me, these external benchmarks were suffocating. They drained motivation, kept me stuck, and didn’t reflect the life I was trying to rebuild. That’s when I turned inward and discovered the “Why Not?” measure.

My Path to Internal Growth

The “Why Not?” mindset became my compass, a way to focus entirely on being better than I was yesterday. Here’s how it transformed my life:

1. Taking Small Steps Forward

Progress isn’t about overhauling your life overnight. It’s about improving by just 1% each day. I learned to celebrate the small wins—whether it was completing one more task, learning a new skill, or practicing kindness. Each small step mattered.

2. Learning from Experiences

Each day became a new opportunity to reflect and grow. Instead of ruminating on what I didn’t do right, I asked myself, “What can I do better tomorrow?”

3. Staying Motivated by Personal Growth

By shifting my focus to self-improvement, my progress was endless. There was always room to grow, learn, and improve. It wasn’t about keeping up with others; it was about surpassing my own limits, one day at a time.

My Story of Using the “Why Not?” Measure

My own story is proof that internal growth can lead to incredible transformations.

From Prison to Purpose

When I started working, I didn’t stack my efforts against anyone else’s achievements; I simply focused on making progress. My first role was as a telemarketer. Then, I worked in a laundry room, then as a janitor, and eventually as a CNA. Each job was less about competition with others and more about proving to myself that I was capable of more.

A Partnership in Growth

When my wife and I became truck drivers together, the goal wasn’t to beat other drivers but to grow as a team. Every day became a chance to reflect, learn, and grow—not only as individuals but also as partners. Together, trucking became less about external success and more about shared growth and evolution.

Advocacy and Leadership

Today, I'm an advocate, guided by the same principles. My focus isn’t on being better than other advocates—it's about asking, "Can I inspire more effectively than I did yesterday?"

Applying the “Why Not?” Measure in Your Life

Shifting your mindset from external comparison to personal growth requires a deliberate, daily effort. Here are some ways you can start implementing the “Why Not?” measure in your own life:

1. Set Your Own Goals

Define your success. What does growth look like to you, not compared to others but based on the life you want to build?

2. Practice Daily Reflection

Before bed, ask yourself, “What did I improve on today?” Maybe you managed stress better, worked on a new skill, or treated someone with kindness. Focus on forward movement.

3. Celebrate Small Wins

Every improvement, no matter how minor, is worth celebrating. Recognize and appreciate what you’ve accomplished each day.

4. Learn from Setbacks

Every failure offers a lesson. Use setbacks as opportunities to grow, asking, “What could I do differently next time?”

5. Keep Track of Your Journey

Journaling is a powerful practice. Write down your thoughts, wins, and lessons. Over time, you’ll see how much progress you’ve made, even when it feels slow on a day-to-day basis.

Looking Back to Move Forward

If you’re reading this, know that the person you aim to become is already within you—the only thing standing between you and your vision is your willingness to take the first step and ask, “Why not?”

No matter where you are on your self-improvement journey, remember that growth is always attainable. The most meaningful measure of success isn’t found in outperforming others but in becoming a little bit better than the person you were yesterday. My life changed when I embraced this principle, and I truly believe yours can too.

What’s your "Why Not?" moment? Share your personal growth story in the comments—I’d love to hear how you're evolving and what lessons you’ve learned along the way.