Monday, February 16, 2015

Ten Reasons Why You Don't See Progress


You know, there is this cool picture circling around the internet (not the one above, I see it popping on my Instagram feed now and then) with the saying "Progress not perfection" scribbled on it. In it's all simplicity, it has an impact when you first see it. I had plenty of moments thinking of the truth it holds. On this one particularly cloudy day, a while back, I was thinking "ok, ok, I get it. It's about the steps you take to grow, to know more, etc not necessarily to be perfect. But what about if I haven't seen any progress in the last month? Or the last year?". I had those thoughts on my mind when someone in my group of friends touched on the subject. At that point, I knew I wanted to write down a list of things that have held me back from progressing. After some research and introspection, I came up with the list below. I don't say it's the ultimate list.

1. You're far ahead compared with those around you. While some you cannot change (family, coworkers, etc), I suggest that you surround yourself with people that will teach you new skills. Or that will push you to try new challenges.

2. You're afraid to go out of your comfort zone. That is understandable. I bet no one likes to do it. But, usually, the magic happens out of your comfort zone. Take heart!

3. You're afraid to fail. So, what's the worst that can happen?.. Try again! Fail better. Try again, until you succeed. Every new day is a new chance to start over.

4. You're a procrastinator. 'Nuff said!

5. You don't plan. In modern world, if you don't have it on your schedule, it won't happen. Everyone knows that.

6. You don't want it bad enough. We get bombarded with tons of information, decisions making moments every day. Chances are, if you don't want it bad enough, you don't pursue it.

7. You don't realize how hard you need to work for it. Our social media feeds are filled with cute #iwokeuplikethis photos (which everyone knows they are not true). However, our subconscious can be tricked into believing you don't need to work to get something. Reality is, you need to work hard to succeed.

8. You are easily distracted. Again, we live in a society of right now, right here, right my way. It's easy to slip into the wrong perception that having to work for something is unimaginable. But ask all the grand people of all times and see what they say about progress, success and a life well lived. Here's a personal favorite: "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." (Nelson Mandela)

9. You're stuck on planning. You know what you want, you want it bad, you're willing to work hard for it, but you like to have everything mapped out before starting. Enjoy the journey. Things may will change along the road. It will be fine, you'll see. One step at a time. Remember, progress, not perfection.

10. You're not consistent. Zig Ziglar said "people often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.". Taking one step and expecting the final outcome is quite irrelevant. Consistency is the key to persevere.

Some of the points listed were, at some point, reasons why I didn't progress. Some are current battles. What does hold you back nowadays?

2 comments:

  1. Love it, love it! Live it! Especially the 'bathing' thing:))!
    Great, sis!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you, sis! I'm always glad when I see my thoughts are helpful. :)
    xo, V.

    ReplyDelete

Your kind words make my day!!!