How Do You See Progress in Your Life?

 For me, progress looks like a full calendar and a buzzing inbox. If my days aren't packed with opportunities to explore, experiment, and yes, even face rejections, then I know I'm not pushing myself enough. I want to feel the thrill of trying and failing, knowing that somewhere out there, one or two responses could hold that breakthrough I'm chasing. I choose action over waiting, effort over complacency. Every rejection is proof that I’m reaching, growing, and daring myself forward. That’s my compass.

But enough about me—what does progress look like for you? Maybe it’s about ticking off goals on a vision board, hitting personal bests, or simply feeling more confident with each day. For some, progress is internal: feeling more resilient, more aware, and more in sync with life’s rhythm. For others, it’s external: securing that dream job, launching a business, or learning something new.

If you’re looking for ways to know if you’re on the right track, ask yourself: What did I learn this week? How many things did I try that took me out of my comfort zone? If the answer is "not much," maybe it’s time to shake things up.

Here are a few pointers that might help:

1. Set Small Wins: Celebrate the little things. Every email, every phone call, every conversation is a small step, and small steps add up. If you’re making even the smallest progress toward something meaningful, that’s a win.

2. Seek Feedback: Don’t wait for validation only from big achievements. Feedback from peers, mentors, or friends can offer insights and growth paths you hadn’t thought of.

3. Embrace the Rejections: Progress isn’t always pretty. The "no's" and closed doors are part of the process. They’re proof you’re putting yourself out there and building resilience.

4. Reflect Regularly: Whether it’s journaling, taking stock of the week, or just setting aside a few minutes to pause, reflecting on where you are helps you see how far you’ve come—and where you want to go next.

5. Keep Dreaming Big: If your dreams don’t scare you a little, they might not be big enough. Push yourself to keep thinking about what could be, not just what is.

So, how do you see progress? Is it a feeling, an achievement, or something else? And if you’re not where you want to be, maybe today’s the day to take that next small, bold step forward. Remember: it’s your journey, and progress is wherever you make it happen.