Last week a friend pointed out the importance of celebrating progress.
Her comment came at a time when many people we care about are focused on “what is not” instead of on “what is”.
[Tweet “2 steps forward and 1 step back is still progress.”]
Her words were a waving caution flag reminding me that:
Focusing on the steps back, on the struggle, or on what is not… Fuels negativity and slows progress.
A few days later, I saw that friend again, and she spoke that important truth once more. .
[Tweet ““It is important to stop and celebrate progress.” ~Kristy Burns”]
Focusing on progress: Fuels hope and creates momentum.
Stop for a minute and think about your life:
- Where were you 1 year ago?
- What were your goals at that time?
- What have you done since then?
- What have you learned?
- How have you grown and changed?
- What difference have you made?
- How have you celebrated?
Now stop for a moment and think about your family, your organization or the community you are a part of:
- What was happening 1 year ago?
- Did you have shared goals at that time?
- What has been accomplished in that time?
- What has been learned in that time?
- How have the individuals and the organization grown and changed?
- What difference are you making together?
- How have you celebrated?
If you’re struggling to recognize progress remember:
2 steps forward and 2 or even 3 steps back CAN STILL BE PROGRESS: If you’re dancing ~ OR LEARNING!
How about you?
Are you focused on the steps back or on the steps forward?
Image Credit: iStock
I LOVE that you’ve reminded me that progress is truly a dance. Moving forward is still moving forward (even if it’s not at the preferred pace!)
Chery ~ great thoughts about making and celebrating progress! As Alli Pollin said, sometimes it is not at your preferred pace, although it is still progress.
This message was very timely for me, as last night I chaired our first Annual General Meeting for the youth charity I am engaged with. It was wonderful to see some many young people holding focus on very boring, legal requirements of our required agenda and voting as and when necessary. It helped me to realize that, despite not being as far forward as I’d have liked in the development of the company, we have still come along way, especially as this is young people serving other young people, with all that this brings.
I am truly blessed … and I thank you for helping me to see this.
Kind regards
John