Are You Coachable? The Key to Lifelong Growth and Success

What is the key to lifelong growth and success?

Most people aren’t held back by a lack of talent—they’re held back by their unwillingness to accept feedback. Growth happens when you stop seeing feedback as criticism and start seeing it as your greatest tool for success.

In this episode of Let's Grow Together, I share personal stories of how seeking feedback changed my trajectory. From a pivotal moment in my career to lessons learned on the baseball field, you'll discover how asking for guidance can unlock new levels of success.

Want to grow faster? Start by asking: "What can I do better?"

Watch now and start leveling up today!

Are You Open to Feedback, or Stuck in Your Ways?

We’ve all heard phrases like, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” or “This is just how I do things.” But the truth is, if you hold onto those beliefs, you’re setting yourself up for stagnation.

The most successful people in the world—whether in business, sports, or personal development—have one thing in common: They are coachable.

Being coachable means being open to feedback, willing to adapt, and continuously looking for ways to improve. If you want to grow, you have to ask yourself:

👉 Am I willing to hear the truth about what I can do better?

👉 Am I seeking feedback from those who see my blind spots?

If not, you might be unknowingly holding yourself back.

How One Simple Question Transformed My Growth

I remember reading a book called Thanks for the Feedback, which completely shifted my perspective. Inspired by what I learned, I reached out to my colleague Nicole, the executive director at the company I was working for at the time.

I asked her, “What are things I can do better? Where am I falling short?”

Her response hit me hard. She said, “Sometimes, you come off as insubordinate—not because you are, but because you're so passionate and determined to do things your way.”

Wow. That was a wake-up call.

I always believed I was just enthusiastic about my ideas, but I didn’t realize how it might be perceived by my leaders. That feedback allowed me to adjust my approach, improve my communication, and ultimately grow in ways I never expected.

If I had never asked, I never would have known.

Why Most People Avoid Feedback (And Why You Shouldn’t)

Many people resist feedback because it’s uncomfortable. It can feel like criticism, but in reality, it’s the fastest path to growth.

Think about it:

✅ Great athletes seek coaching to refine their skills.
✅ Successful entrepreneurs surround themselves with mentors.
✅ Top leaders actively ask their teams how they can improve.

Yet, in everyday life, most people avoid feedback at all costs. They don’t ask for it, and they don’t want to hear it when it’s given.

But here’s the truth: Your blind spots will always exist unless you invite someone to show them to you.

How to Start Using Feedback to Unlock Your Potential

If you want to grow, start making feedback a habit. Here’s how:

1. Ask the Right Questions

Instead of waiting for someone to correct you, take initiative. Ask your team, your mentors, or even your friends:

• What’s one thing I can do better?
• What’s something I might not be seeing about myself?
• How can I be a better leader, friend, or partner?

2. Seek Feedback from the Right People

Not all feedback is valuable. Look for people who:

• Have experience in the area you’re trying to grow in.
• Are willing to be honest with you.
• Want to see you succeed.

3. Detach Your Ego from the Process

Feedback is not an attack—it’s an opportunity. Instead of getting defensive, try to listen with an open mind.

A simple mindset shift:
🚫 “They’re criticizing me.”
✅ “They’re giving me insight that will help me improve.”

The Biggest Mistake Leaders Make

One of the most powerful things you can do as a leader—whether in business or life—is to ask your team for feedback on YOU.

Most leaders focus on coaching their employees, but the best ones also ask:

💡 “What can I do to be a better leader?”

Imagine the impact of consistently improving not just your team, but yourself.

A Personal Story of Growth and Feedback

I’ll never forget my senior year of high school baseball.

I had just recovered from an injury, and my arm was weak. I barely made the team, but I was determined to prove myself.

Then, out of nowhere, my coach benched me. He didn’t say why, and I was frustrated.

Instead of complaining, I asked him:

"Coach, what can I do better?"

He told me, “You need to improve your footwork and double plays.”

So that weekend, I spent hours at the park practicing double plays over and over again.

A few weeks later, I was back in the starting lineup. By the end of the season, I was named MVP.

Had I never asked for feedback, I never would have known what to improve.

Final Thoughts: Growth is a Choice

If you want to grow—whether in your career, relationships, or personal development—you must be willing to ask for feedback, receive it openly, and take action.

Growth is not automatic. It’s a choice.

So here’s my challenge to you:

📝 Find one person today and ask them, “What’s one thing I can do better?”

And remember, you don’t have to grow alone.

Let’s grow together. 🚀