The Hidden Progress: Why We Often Overlook Our Own Growth
For years, I've been chasing the next goal, the next milestone, the next level. Every time I achieve something, I barely stop to appreciate it—I just move the goalpost further away. Sound familiar? It's the curse of ambition. You work so hard, but instead of feeling accomplished, you feel like you're still behind.
The Paradox of Ambition
Ambition is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it drives us forward, pushing us to achieve great things and constantly improve. On the other hand, it can blind us to our own progress, leaving us feeling perpetually unsatisfied and inadequate.
This constant pursuit of "what's next" can be exhausting. We become so focused on the horizon that we forget to look at how far we've come. It's like climbing a mountain and never turning around to appreciate the view—or realize how high we've climbed.
A New Approach to Progress
Lately, I've been trying something different, and I invite you to join me:
Look Back: Take a moment to reflect on where you were a year ago. What skills have you developed? What challenges have you overcome? You might be surprised at how much you've grown.
Celebrate Small Wins: Instead of brushing off your achievements as "not enough," take time to acknowledge and celebrate them. Even small steps forward are progress.
Redefine Success: Remember that success isn't just about what's next—it's also about appreciating what is. Take time to enjoy your current achievements before rushing to the next goal.
The Power of Perspective
If you've ever felt like you're not making progress, trust me—you are. You just haven't stopped long enough to see it. Our perception of progress is often skewed by our own rising standards. As we improve, we naturally set higher goals for ourselves, which can make our previous achievements seem less significant in comparison.
But imagine if you could talk to your past self. What would they think of where you are now? Chances are, they'd be amazed at what you've accomplished.
So, let's take a moment to celebrate our wins, big and small. What's something you've achieved recently that your past self would be proud of? Maybe you've learned a new skill, improved a relationship, or simply made it through a tough week with resilience.
Whatever it is, acknowledge it. Celebrate it. You've earned it.
Remember, progress isn't always linear or visible day-to-day. But when we take the time to step back and truly look at our journey, we often find that we've come much further than we realized. Recognizing our progress isn't just about feeling good; it's about motivating ourselves to keep growing, learning, and pushing forward.