A Great Lesson: Progress, Not Perfection

by Lynn Sanders | Oct 10, 2025 | DMM Blog

The Day I’ll Never Forget

When I was in fourth grade in Mrs. Fogg’s Chicago classroom, each of us had to do a science project.

I decided to demonstrate the “cup and paper” trick — showing how a simple piece of paper could hold water in an upside-down cup. I knew it had to do with a combination of atmospheric pressure, surface tension, and adhesion. The science behind it fascinated me. But I wasn’t exactly sure if I could do it in the classroom. (I had just practiced over our bathroom sink at home!)

This trick is supposed to work. The pressure of the air pushing up on the paper from the outside is stronger than the pull of gravity trying to bring the water down. In theory, it should have worked perfectly.

Here’s a photo of me (2nd row, 3rd from the right) in my 6th-grade classroom at Amelia Earhart Elementary School. I didn’t have my 4th-grade photo handy!

But when my big day came, my project didn’t work!

I turned the cup over confidently—and water splashed everywhere. The paper flew off.

Mrs. Fogg, in her gentle wisdom, gave me another chance. I tried again, this time over the classroom sink.

And again, it failed. More water spilled. My cheeks burned.

My classmates gasped. I wanted to sink into the floor.

Instead, I quickly said, “I’ll clean it up. Can I try again? I think I can do it…”

But Mrs. Fogg smiled kindly and said, “You can try it again.”

You can imagine how nervous and frustrated I was. I HAD to try again. I had to redeem myself.

On that third attempt—finally—it worked! The paper held firm, and the class erupted in applause. I’ll never forget that moment of relief and joy.

The lesson I learned that day went far beyond science.

It taught me perseverance, patience, and self-belief.

It reminded me that failure is not the opposite of success—it’s part of it.

Even now, I remind myself (and my clients) that perfection is not the goal.

Progress is. Every mistake, every misstep, every “spilled water moment” is simply feedback on the path forward.

We all need to allow ourselves to fail forward—to learn, adjust, and try again.

Because in the end, it’s not about getting everything right the first time.

It’s about showing up, learning, and growing with each new attempt.

That’s the real formula for success: Progress, not perfection.

To Your Success,

Lynn

P.S. Here’s a short video of how this experiment works:

How A Photograph Can Create A Legacy Story…

by Lynn Sanders | Sep 3, 2025 | DMM Blog

Have you ever discovered an old ancestor’s photograph and wondered — what was that person thinking about?

What was their life like? How did they overcome obstacles?

After unpacking and repacking boxes for our upcoming move, my husband and I came across a number of photographs and an old suffragette card from his grandmother Fanny.

Wow! I was so impressed — Fanny was a suffragette! I never knew that. As I curiously perused photographs that I had never seen before, I thought it would be fun to experiment on a story — and partner with my AI friend, Chat GPT.

Together, we wrote this imaginary letter, based on facts, that Fanny really could have written to her sister, Bessie.

An Imagined Legacy Story In A Letter
(From Fanny (Schaefer) Schwarzbach to Her Sister Bessie)

My Dearest Bessie,

I hope this letter finds you in one of your better moods, perhaps perched near a window with a cigarette in hand, watching the world go by.

I always admired your independence — even if Papa didn’t approve of your beau. I still feel heartbroken that he was killed in that carriage accident.

Truth is, we both lived with more fire in our hearts than many knew what to do with.

I’m writing today not because I’m lonely — though I won’t pretend the nights aren’t long — but because I needed to put these words somewhere. Somewhere safe. Somewhere real.

Raising Harlan and Jerry alone after Louis left hasn’t been easy.

The decision to get a divorce was a hard one. Louis enjoyed traveling out of town as a salesman for a sewing machine company. I didn’t like having him gone so often.

We felt it was best if he went on his own. I didn’t know he’d choose to move to California.

While Louis keeps in touch with the boys from time to time, I know I’ve got to be strong inside myself.

Bessie, I don’t like the feeling of being divorced. Hardly anyone around here is divorced, and I think it’s hard for our boys. I’m doing the best I can, and I think I’ve been learning a lot.

What I’ve Learned As A Single Mother

You know what, Bessie? I’m not letting the status of “single” stop me. I’m telling myself that I can do it… and I do.

The boys need more than food and clothes — they need strength. Steadiness. Someone who believes in their future when their own father is gone.

Do you remember that card I kept from the Woman Suffragette Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska?

“Up with the Petticoats and Down with the Pants!” I can still hear the howls of applause. We meant every word.

And I’ve lived those words every day since — speaking up, showing up, and making sure my voice — and our voices — are never silenced again.

Even now, I find myself surrounded by good women. Strong women. Some widowed, some divorced like me — all of us bound by resilience. And yes, a few kind gentlemen have come calling.

I’ve learned that love doesn’t need a license to matter. And dignity isn’t given — it’s claimed.

We’ve been underestimated all our lives, Bessie. Yet we keep going. You with your books and students. Me with my babies and ballots. Maybe we didn’t get the lives we thought we’d have… but perhaps we’re living the ones history will remember.

So let the men scoff. Let them mock our petticoats or deny our place.

One day, stories like ours will be told — perhaps even from an old photograph, held by a granddaughter or great-niece, who sees not just our faces but our fight.

Write back soon. Or at least send a photo of those nieces of yours who always brighten up the house when you visit. And if you come by this fall — I’ll make your favorite appie pie and cookies.

And we’ll laugh like we used to.

With love always,
Fanny

P.S. Even though I’m keeping my married name, I’ll always stay a Schaefer at heart…

🌿 Reflection

P.S. This fictional letter is inspired by real vintage photos and artifacts passed down through generations.

Fanny Schaefer Schwarzbach, a woman I never met, left behind more than just images. She left behind courage. Resolve. And proof that our stories can live on — even when we’re gone.

📸 What stories live inside your family photos?

💬Have you ever imagined the life behind the smile? The silence?

Let’s preserve those legacies — one story at a time.

P.P.S. Ready to bring more of your stories into the world? Feel free to schedule a complimentary story strategy session at: https://calendly.com/lynnsanders

The Art of Living Your Dreams: A Wake Up Call From The Heart

by Lynn Sanders | Mar 23, 2025 | Personal Stories

Have you ever had a moment where life stopped you in your tracks and whispered, “This is it. It’s time”?

For me, that moment came like a thunderbolt — the day my mom passed away suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 73.

She was vibrant. A loving, kind, compassionate soul. My dearest friend, filled with wisdom and dreams of her own.

And just like that… she was gone.

In the days and weeks that followed, grief washed over me like waves. But beneath the sorrow was something deeper, something louder — a calling.

It was the realization that our time on earth is limited. That tomorrow is never promised. That the dreams placed on our hearts aren’t there by accident — they are whispers from the Divine, meant to be followed now, not someday.

In trying to make sense of it all, I found the book, Infinite Possibilities by Mike Dooley.

Or maybe it found me.

Dooley’s words have been like oxygen to my soul. He writes, “Thoughts become things. Choose the good ones.”

He reminds us that we are not passive observers in life — we are powerful creators. Dream-weavers. Possibility-makers.

And what we dare to envision, we are equally capable of achieving — if only we’ll believe.

Reading it was like having a conversation with the version of myself that had always known this truth deep down. The version who had put dreams on the back burner while life kept calling for responsibility, duty, and practicality. But after losing my mom, I couldn’t ignore the urgency any longer.

I began to ask:

What dream have I buried under the “somedays”?
What story have I been waiting to write, speak, live?
What legacy do I want to leave behind?

And so, I started to say yes — to bold ideas, divine nudges, and scary, beautiful leaps.

I stepped fully into my calling as a storyteller, coach, and difference maker.

I started writing books for children that spark compassion and courage.

I began helping other purpose-driven leaders share their stories with impact and authenticity.

I no longer waited for “the right time.” I made the time.

Because this is the art of living your dreams:
It’s knowing that dreams don’t come with expiration dates, but we do.
It’s choosing to act, even when the path isn’t clear.
It’s trusting that the universe rearranges itself around the boldness of a dream pursued.

My mom’s passing broke my heart wide open — but in that open space, light rushed in.

A deeper truth. A deeper purpose. And an unwavering commitment to not just dream, but to live those dreams out loud.

If you’re reading this and you’ve been waiting — for the perfect time, the perfect plan, the perfect courage — let this be your moment.

Your wake-up call. Your invitation.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to believe that it’s possible.

As Mike Dooley says, “Your dreams are not here to tease you. They are here to show you what’s possible for you.”

So go ahead.
Dream wildly.
Live boldly.
And write your masterpiece — one inspired word at a time.

Unlock The Power of Storytelling To Elevate Your Cause

by Lynn Sanders | Feb 19, 2025 | Personal Development

Ever since I was a kid, I adored stories.

My dad read bedtime stories. My mom recited poetry around the house. And I’d love to read stories of real heroes.

As I soon realized, every great movement, every powerful mission, and every life-changing initiative begins with a story.

But are you telling yours in a way that captivates, inspires, and compels action?

If you’re a cause-focused leader, nonprofit professional, or changemaker, your story is your most valuable asset. It’s the key to building trust, attracting supporters, and driving real impact.

After over 30 years as a professional storyteller — attracting results through a 6-figure donation, doubling memberships and increasing followers significantly, online, I recognize that more of us need to learn how to become effective storytellers to achieve results.

That’s why I invite you to join me for my upcoming webinar:

Transforming Purpose into Prosperity: Mastering The Power of Storytelling

[Date & Time]
Register now: https://bit.ly/Webinar-StoryPower

In this free session, you’ll discover:
The essential elements of a compelling nonprofit story
How to emotionally connect with your audience and inspire action
Proven strategies to use storytelling for fundraising and advocacy
The power of AI-driven storytelling to amplify your reach

Your mission deserves to be heard, remembered, and supported. Let’s make that happen together.

Spots are limited—secure your place today!
Register now: https://bit.ly/Webinar-StoryPower

Let’s craft stories that drive change,

To Your Success,

Lynn

Start Strong: Unlock the Power of Your Story in 2025

by Lynn Sanders | Jan 7, 2025 | Personal Stories

Happy New Year, my friends!

The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on your story.

What story do you tell about yourself, your business, or your cause? Is it clear? Is it compelling? Does it truly represent your mission and vision for the year ahead?

How do we unlock the power of a new year? I recommend doing that by stepping outside your comfort zone. You can choose to launch yourself into a new reality by working on your inner story first. Each day, I recommend taking early morning time to do some spiritual practice — meditate, visualize, journal…

To boost your inner strength, I’ve made a commitment to serve more difference makers this year. I’m planning to start a “Storytelling for Nonprofits” group coaching group in the next few weeks. It will serve as a guide and mastermind group to raise awareness, support and money. If that’s something you’re interested in, let me know.

For the next 30 days, I’m also launching a “Story Tips” challenge. Want to join me? It’s free. I’ll be sharing a quick 1-2 minute video tip on building your business through stories. You can choose to share a tip from your business, and then post it in the Facebook group too.

For my tips, you can subscribe to my YouTube channel – https://YouTube.com/@LynnSanders. in the Difference Makers Facebook group, you can participate at: https://Facebook.com/DifferenceMakersMedia

Authentic storytelling is not just something that comes from Artificial Intelligence. It comes from your heart and soul. It’s true to just YOU. Of course, artificial intelligences is terrific as an assistant and springboard for your work. But people also want to hear your inner stories.

And only YOU know all your stories and the lessons you learned from them.. waiting to be explored and shared with others.

To begin, I’d like to share one of my earliest memories that reinforced my joy of storytelling.

I’ve been immersed in the world of storytelling for as long as I can remember. My parents read stories to me constantly, and visiting the Chicago public library was always a treat. I loved writing poetry because it was a fast way to capture a moment, a feeling, an idea. Since I didn’t have paper handy most of the time, I’d scribble poems on paper napkins. When I was about 7 years old, I eventually got a small notebook, which became my poetry journal.

One of my early poems was called, “The Wonderball,” and I was so proud of it! My dad thought it was so good that it made me feel like a million dollars. It was a fantasy poem about seeing into the future with a magician’s ball. Now, many years later, I still love sharing stories in both my personal and business life.

Your Next Step for 2025?

Consider the story behind your “why.” Why do you do what YOU do?

Take time this January to revisit and refine your “why.”

It’s the foundation of a powerful story, and it will guide your goals for the year ahead.

Here’s to your success,

Lynn

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