This post brings to light the power of progress toward goals, and how to measure it. With any goal, even the small steps are significant toward the bigger picture.
Progress Defined
Progress is defined as “forward movement toward a destination”. This step is often overlooked when you’re focused on an end goal. Any advancement in the direction of a goal is progress. Through each small step, you get closer to the next challenge. This idea can translate into multiple scenarios throughout life.
The Ladder
Imagine your path toward your goal like a ladder. You stand at the bottom, your goal is at the top. You must climb the ladder to reach this goal. Now take away all of the rungs, leaving you without any steps to make it to the top. How will you reach your goal?
This analogy is a great way to visualize progress. Although each step may seem insignificant, without each one it would be almost impossible to accomplish. In order to reach an objective, there is a specific path to get there. This is the power of progress toward goals.
Measuring Progress
Measuring progress allows you to step back from the bigger picture and recognize how far you’ve come. Organizing your path to meet a goal makes your progress more clear, and motivates you to move forward.
- Set a Clear Goal
- Establish Steps
- Document Accomplishments
- Monthly Check-Ins
- Organization
Set a Clear Goal
Establishing a clear, prominent goal is the first step in measuring progress. Avoid broad terms like “eat healthier”, or “exercise more” and replace them with specific objectives to distinguish exactly what you’re trying to achieve.
Establish Steps
After setting a clear goal, establish the path to effectively reach it. These steps vary depending on the goal, and must be specific to your unique needs. Setting realistic time frames is a way to keep yourself accountable.
Document Accomplishments
Tracking your progress is essential to measuring your advancement toward your end goal. After establishing clear steps, check them off as you go and document any other small achievements in the right direction.
Monthly Check-Ins
Once a month, review your documented progress and set goals or continued steps for the next month. You’ll notice more progress was made than it appears.
Organization
Staying organized is key to the power of progress toward goals. A planner is a great tool to establish and track your journey and accomplishments.
Click here to download my 2023 printable planner!
The Power of Progress
Once you look back from where you are now, you’ll see you’ve made it farther from where you started than you thought. Establishing clear direction, documenting your progress, staying organized, and checking in will show how even the small steps are important to the end goal. The journey to success is not linear. There will be times where you lose progress and feel discouraged. These obstacles are strategically placed in your path to make you stronger, and lead you to your unique end goal.
When I started my blog I had a clear goal and steps to follow, but after using these techniques, the goals have gotten larger and our growth has increased exponentially. The path has not been linear, and I have faced many obstacles. Looking back on my old content, I’ve made it so far in the past 8 months. I appreciate you for reading, commenting, and enjoying the journey with me.
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