Striving for “Better” Should Be Our True Aim as Humans and Allies — Here’s Why

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As an advocate and educator for the LGBTQIA+ community, I’ve had many conversations about inclusivity in educational settings. Recently, a teacher reached out, expressing her desire to implement best practices for LGBTQIA+ inclusivity at her school. She was eager to ensure that all students felt welcome and safe. I appreciated her dedication and assured her I could assist in this endeavor. I explained the training models I utilize and set some expectations: educators would learn practical, actionable steps for their classrooms; they would deepen their self-awareness, which would enhance their understanding of their students; and, inevitably, they would make mistakes along the way. Her reaction was a blend of shock and relief. “Mistakes are part of the process,” I reassured her. “I aim to help you establish better practices, not the best ones.”

I emphasized that while striving for improvement is commendable, aiming for an unattainable “best” can hinder our growth and vulnerability. In my diversity and inclusion training sessions for schools, businesses, or organizations, my objective is to promote continuous progress and the establishment of better systems. However, we must remain open to ongoing learning and adaptation, which is why I advocate for a mindset focused on “better” rather than “best.”

The concept of “best” implies perfection, which is often unrealistic. Achieving a so-called best practice can lead to stagnation and a lack of awareness regarding the evolving nuances of our communities. Relying on the notion of being the best can cause us to fall behind—just look at the fate of BlackBerry, once a leader in mobile technology.

LGBTQIA+ issues and the individuals who deserve respect cannot simply be reduced to “best practices.” Our community is diverse, and while there are effective ways to create inclusive policies, we must be prepared to change our language and correct past misconceptions. I encourage my clients to understand that I don’t expect them to be perfect; instead, I expect them to be accountable and willing to embrace ongoing improvement.

When we focus on better practices, we commit to continual growth and understanding. This principle can be applied across various aspects of life, from personal development to professional solutions. If we reach what we consider the top, we must ask ourselves: what lies beyond? There will always be new challenges to tackle and more meaningful discussions to engage in. Best practices are often a reflection of current conditions; they are not the final destination. The wagon might have been the best means of transport once, but settling for that would have hindered further progress—just as it would for typewriters, surgical instruments, and child safety seats.

Take my personal goals, for example. My current best deadlift surpasses what I could achieve a year ago. My mac and cheese recipe is a work in progress, and my patience as a parent is always evolving. I strive to improve rather than attain perfection. In parenting, I remind myself that each child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. I don’t expect perfection from my children, so why should I hold myself to that standard as a parent? It’s unrealistic to expect to know the right thing to do at every turn. When I find myself frustrated over my reactions or their behavior, I try to focus on the positive steps I’ve taken toward becoming a better parent.

When my kids leave a mess or interrupt conversations, I encourage them to do better. I know they will make mistakes, but if they show improvement in their accountability and respect for others, that’s progress. Whether in a professional setting or personal pursuits, today’s “best practices” may not be effective tomorrow. Rules and needs evolve, and if we commit to being better each day, we equip ourselves for the future.

This shift from striving for the “best” to aiming for “better” allows for flexibility and grace in our relationships and personal growth. It’s essential to remember that there is no universally applicable solution that fits everyone’s needs.

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Summary

This article discusses the importance of focusing on continuous improvement rather than striving for perfection in personal and professional contexts. The author emphasizes that aiming for “better” allows for growth and adaptability, especially concerning inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community. It explores the flexibility needed in relationships and parenting, and highlights the evolving nature of best practices.

Keyphrase: better practices for inclusivity

Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]

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