Ever feel overwhelmed by the complexity of your goals? I was there a few weeks ago, and here’s what I did. As a business owner, group facilitator and leadership and life coach, I’ve worked with numerous women who have similarly faced this challenge of overwhelm in a VUCA world (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous).
For me, it was during a recent business expansion phase focusing on a big end-goal. What got me back on track was remembering a powerful concept: The Progress Principle. It is common for high achievers to sidestep acknowledging their achievements. Who has time, we lament? However, I remembered it’s a time-saver, a confidence booster and a relationship builder for ourselves AND our teams to acknowledge our growth. And it’s not just something that happens by accident; we have to learn to use it intentionally with the result of gaining perspective and empowerment, especially during times of rapid growth.
The Power of the Progress Principle
Drawing from Teresa Amabile’s and Steven Kramer’s insightful studies, the Progress Principle underscores the significance of valuing even the most minor advancement forward. Think of hiking up a mountain, when the journey to progress feels overwhelming, it’s vital to pause and reflect on the advancement that you achieved, rather than fixating solely on the road ahead. This self-recognition generates a fresh perspective of confidence, motivation and inspiration to persevere.
Harnessing the Progress Principle with Intention
The Progress Principle isn’t just a happy coincidence; women can assert daily intentionality to reflect on how far they’ve come. The offshoot is a learned awareness of the actual gains achieved. It’s a tool that becomes particularly valuable during periods of substantial growth and transformation.
Empowering Insights from Marathon Runners
Imagine a marathon runner (or a half-marathoner if you’re like me) in the heat of the race – my muscles ache, doubt creeps in, and the finish line appears distant. Yet, it’s precisely in these testing moments that our determination shines brightest when we review all the milestones we passed. The lesson? Much like we wouldn’t assess the success of a marathon at its halfway point, we shouldn’t judge the success of our goals prematurely.
Translating the Progress Principle to Our Goals
The Progress Principle is a potent ally across both personal and professional domains. Progress doesn’t unfold linearly; it’s graphed from incremental achievements and subtle shifts. Every fractional stride of progress, every invested endeavor, every surmounted challenge – they collectively propel you forward, step by step.
Strategies for Sustaining Momentum
To nurture and maintain your momentum on this transitional journey, consider these strategies:
Reflect on Progress: When you’re ensnared by the feeling of being stuck, take a moment to cast your gaze back at where you began. Acknowledge the progress you’ve achieved and the obstacles you’ve conquered. This vantage point can reignite your motivation to forge ahead.
Trust the Process: Just as seeds germinate beneath the soil before blossoming, progress can remain hidden before manifesting in tangible results. Uphold your faith in your consistent efforts; they’re laying the groundwork for your eventual triumph.
Visualize Victory: Craft a vivid mental image of yourself reaching your goal. This visualization can rekindle your motivation and guide you through moments of uncertainty.
Embrace Enduring Success
Enduring success transcends the mere attainment of an end goal. As sages have quoted across the ages, the most significant journey is what is made of us by taking the journey. If your goals are marked by persistent dedication and patient endurance, which leaders often have, it is the modification of acknowledging every step, really how far you’ve come, which is the creator of uncommon motivation in commonly trying times. In my experience, this self-awareness decreases the times of challenge. After all, each step draws you closer to your aspirations. Why not have an experience of boosted motivation throughout the day?
Guidance at Every Turn
Throughout this journey, I’m here to offer guidance and support at every juncture. Whether you’re seeking to explore novel strategies, change paths or simply require an infusion of motivation, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your voyage is uniquely yours, and I’m thrilled to witness your growth and transformation.
Believing in your Potential
With an unwavering belief in your potential, I invite you, as I did, to embrace the Progress Principle with intention and watch as it shapes your path to success. Together, let’s propel your next big goals into the realm of reality.
Believing in you and me wholeheartedly,
Sarah
