Progress means I have reached my goal.
Does that statement ring true for you?
If you are like many of my clients, that definition of progress may be actually hindering your achievement and accomplishment! How can that be?
When you measure progress only as the achievement of a goal, what happens when you are not reaching your goal as quickly as you would like (or think you should)? Often you stop.
Why is that?
Goals, and progress in general, often means the approaching of a reward and the reward usually means the completion of something. When that reward is not met, we often stop trying, striving or taking any action. We give up, let go of or get distracted from our intent/goal.
What to do about that?
Change your definition of progress.
What if you were to see Progress as every, any and all effort that you put toward any endeavor or goal?
- Everything you learn, discover and uncover about yourself, your likes, your wants, your values as you embark on your career discovery
- Every person you speak with, and every attempt you make to connect with them as you build relationships and get connected to your community/network
- Every word you write in your cover letter, every tweak you make to your LinkedInprofile
- Every resumeyou write and submit, every interviewyou have, every thank you note you write as you embark on your job search
- Every word you write, call you make, research you do, idea you have toward any and all of your personal and professional projects.
Progress can be, and truly is, every single tiny step you take along any journey you are on. When you see it this way, you will realize just how much progress you have already made and can be making day to day. It can inspire and motivate you to keep going and even have more ease while on your path.
What would change for YOU if you chose to measure progress this way?