The Pancake Lesson: Progress Over Perfection
Earlier this year, I celebrated my son’s 18th birthday with a special pancake breakfast. While preparing the pancakes, I encountered a common, almost predictable, scenario: the first pancake turned out gritty and underwhelming. It wasn’t the fluffy, golden-brown breakfast perfection I envisioned. So, I tossed it aside and tried again.
The second attempt was better, but still not quite right. It wasn’t until the third pancake that I hit my stride—finally achieving the soft, golden, perfectly cooked pancake I had been aiming for.
So, why am I sharing this with you? Because this simple breakfast experience led me to a bigger reflection about life’s goals and the pursuit of success.
Success Rarely Happens on the First Try
We often set high expectations for ourselves. We dream big, create ambitious goals, and expect to hit the mark on our first attempt. But more often than not, our initial efforts don’t go as planned—much like that gritty first pancake. This can lead to frustration and disappointment, causing us to question whether we’re on the right track.
But here’s the thing: success, like pancakes, is rarely perfect on the first try. It takes practice, patience, and the willingness to embrace the process. We have to accept that our early efforts may not meet our expectations, and that’s okay! Each “imperfect pancake” teaches us something valuable—what works, what doesn’t, and how we can adjust for better results next time.
What that pancake story reminds us of is the importance of iteration. Life is about refining our approach, tweaking our methods, and learning from the missteps along the way. Just as I didn’t give up after my first failed pancake, we shouldn’t give up when our first attempt at something isn’t a success.
Think about the most accomplished people you know. Whether in business, relationships, or personal growth, success didn’t come from a single flawless moment. It came from showing up consistently, learning from the setbacks, and continually improving. Each iteration, each step forward, brings us closer to the outcome we desire.
Embrace the Process, Not Just the Outcome
The pancake analogy offers an important lesson about being patient with ourselves and our goals. Too often, we get caught up in the final result—wanting everything to be perfect immediately. But success isn’t a one-time event; it’s the accumulation of small efforts, adjustments, and resilience over time.
The next time you find yourself frustrated because you’re not achieving immediate success, remember the first pancake. Allow yourself the grace to make mistakes, experiment, and keep going. Success isn’t a race; it’s a process of continual growth and refinement.
Mindful Practices for Navigating Setbacks
As you go through your week, I invite you to adopt a mindful approach to your personal and professional goals. Here are a few ways to embrace the journey and avoid being discouraged by those “first pancake” moments:
Acknowledge Imperfection – Understand that it’s okay to not get everything right on the first try. Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.
Celebrate Small Wins – Every step you take toward your goal, no matter how small, is a victory. Take a moment to recognize how far you’ve come.
Practice Patience – Success takes time. Be kind to yourself as you learn and grow. Trust that each attempt brings you closer to where you want to be.
Learn and Adjust – Each setback provides an opportunity to learn. Instead of seeing failures as roadblocks, view them as valuable lessons that will help you improve.
Keep Showing Up – Just as you wouldn’t stop making pancakes after one bad batch, don’t give up on your goals after one setback. Persistence is key to long-term success.
Whether it’s writing a book, working on a new business venture, or improving your personal relationships, success is a lot like making pancakes. The first one might be messy, the second a little better, and by the third, you’re hitting your stride. The key is to keep flipping, keep learning, and trust that with practice and persistence, you’ll get to where you want to be.
So, as you navigate your week, ask yourself: Where can I be more patient with my process? What can I learn from my “first pancake” moments? And most importantly, how can I keep showing up, even when things don’t go perfectly the first time around?
Let this be your gentle reminder that the path to success is rarely a straight line. It’s filled with imperfect pancakes, valuable lessons, and countless opportunities for growth.
Here’s to flipping those pancakes—both literal and metaphorical—with grace, persistence, and a sense of humor.
I’m Krista Ryan
My job is to help you learn a little, laugh a lot, and get clear on action steps for your success.
It may have taken a life changing event to shake me awake and decide I no longer wanted to live a comfortable life… I wanted to embrace the discomfort and live a life of courage and intention.
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