The Cost of Stagnation: Why Getting Worse is Inevitable Without Improvement
Have you ever heard the phrase, “If you’re not getting better at something, you’re getting worse at it”? It might not apply universally to every situation, but it’s a principle that holds a surprising amount of truth, particularly when it comes to personal growth, skill development, and how we show up in the world. Since first encountering this concept, I’ve been reflecting on it and, as it turns out, the principle is remarkably revealing.
The idea is simple: if you’re not actively improving, you’re inevitably losing ground. Whether we’re talking about specific skills, mental acuity, or even how well we engage with the world around us, stagnation rarely leaves us neutral. And when we take a closer look at our lives, we might find that we’re more susceptible to decline than we’d like to admit.
The Things I’m Getting Worse At
Let’s begin by acknowledging that “worse” doesn’t mean terrible. It simply means that, relative to where I was a few years ago, I’m no longer progressing in certain areas. In fact, I’ve noticed several things slipping—areas where I once thrived but now seem to falter. Here are a few examples.
Public Speaking
Public speaking is one of the clearest examples of the “if you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse” principle. Speaking at events was once a regular part of my routine. In fact, I used to speak at 30-50 events per year, honing my craft and improving with each presentation. However, over the last year, the number of events I’ve spoken at has dwindled to just 3-5. That’s a massive drop.
What I’ve realized is that public speaking is a skill that requires constant use to maintain. It’s like a muscle that atrophies when not exercised. The difference in performance is noticeable. Without consistent practice, the flow, the energy, and the confidence you once had can begin to fade.
Luckily, I’m about to hit the road again for a book tour, and I’m eager to get back into the rhythm. The goal is to improve with every speaking engagement and hopefully regain some of the proficiency I’ve lost.
Social Media
Ah, social media—the ever-present force in modern life. Once upon a time, I was active on multiple platforms, posting frequently and interacting with my audience. But lately, I’ve pulled back. Social media, particularly the major platforms, has become increasingly algorithm-driven and oversaturated. There’s an ever-growing distance between creators and their audiences. I find myself consuming content more than creating it, and honestly, I’m okay with that for now.
It’s not that I’ve completely abandoned social media, but the pressure to maintain a constant online presence has dwindled. I’ve shifted my focus to other projects—mainly writing books, producing my podcast, and working on more meaningful, creative work. It feels better not to obsess over algorithms or the need to post consistently.
That said, I respect those who manage to use social media well, creating valuable content without falling into the traps of overexposure or influencer culture. But even so, it’s important to be cautious. Social media can be a double-edged sword if you let it control your sense of worth.
Business Growth
In the past, I had a number of businesses and revenue streams that kept things running smoothly. However, over the last few years, I’ve shifted my focus away from business growth in the traditional sense. My work now revolves primarily around writing, podcasting, and blogging, with little emphasis on generating revenue from products or services. And for now, that feels right.
But, as with anything, the decline in one area doesn’t come without consequences. While I’m satisfied with the current focus, it does mean that I’ve let other parts of my professional life stagnate. I don’t have the same kind of business empire I once did. Perhaps one day I’ll return to it, but for now, I’m content with the direction I’ve chosen.
Penmanship and Journaling
Another small but noticeable area of decline has been my penmanship. Once, I carried a notebook with me everywhere and wrote in it daily—notes for blog posts, thoughts for books, random ideas. The act of writing by hand was a daily ritual, and I enjoyed it. But now, I find myself turning more to my computer or phone for quick notes, leaving the notebook in my bag, gathering dust.
It’s a small shift, but it’s a shift that points to the larger issue of reduced practice. Writing by hand was something I did regularly, but now, with the convenience of digital devices, I’ve lost the touch. And though it may seem trivial, there’s something valuable in those handwritten notes that a digital device can’t quite replace.
The Lesson in Decline
What these experiences have shown me is that maintaining progress—whether in our skills, habits, or even how we engage with the world—requires conscious effort. It’s easy to get comfortable, to let things slide, and assume that you’re at a plateau. But if you’re not actively improving, you’re most likely drifting backward. The world around you doesn’t stop moving just because you do.
Improvement is rarely linear, and sometimes we take detours or step off the path to focus on other priorities. But the key takeaway is that nothing stays the same. Skills can erode, passions can fade, and even our professional focus can shift. The question is: are you putting in the effort to keep getting better, or are you letting things slip?
Whether it’s speaking, social media, business, or any other area of your life, the principle holds true: If you’re not actively working toward progress, you’re probably losing ground. The good news is that it’s never too late to start again, to refocus, and to get back on track. Improvement is always within reach, as long as you’re willing to put in the work.
