Progress Doesn’t Always Look or Feel like Progress

(excerpt from The Ripple Effect)

When it comes to learning a new skill, a new discipline, taking on a new initiative, or letting go of a bad habit, progress can be elusive. Here’s why.

“Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.” –Chinese Proverb

1. Progress doesn’t always look or feel like progress. Realizing our personal definition of progress often takes longer than we expect. This sometimes means letting go of our preconceived notions of how far we should have come by now. To get where you want to go, understand where you are without delusion or judgment. Consider expanding your definition. Look for victories, no matter how seemingly small, and acknowledge yourself for even slight movements forward.
2. Progress is not always steady. You may fall before you rise. You may fail often to succeed only once. You may take two steps backward to take one step forward. Learn from each setback. Listen to coaches and mentors who have mastery in the area in which you are growing. Raise your awareness. Gain distinctions. Ask yourself, “What did I do right? What could I have done differently? Apply the lessons.
3. Progress is often made simply by consistently showing up. You never know when and where significant shifts will occur. Keep showing up; continue to practice; do the work; train consistently. This exponentially increases the opportunity for growth compared to dabbling in disciplines once in awhile. Relax. Be patient. A breakthrough is right around the corner.

“If I had permitted my failures, or what seemed to me at the time a lack of success, to discourage me I cannot see any way in which I would ever have made progress.” –Calvin Coolidge

Drop me a note on how this applies to you – I’d love to hear from you!

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