Trust The Process

Do you often find yourself comparing your progress to others? I know the unnecessary stress and anxiety that come with it, and it does not feel good. It’s easy to feel pressured to achieve our goals quickly, especially in an era where we spend a lot of our time on social media and come across people our age who are achieving more than we are currently.

In case you need it, this is a sign for you to stop feeling bad about where you are! It’s important to remember that pursuing goals at our own pace can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Let’s explore why.

The Myth of “One-Size-Fits-All” Approach
We often hear people say: “By 21, you should graduate from college and get a stable job”, “26 is the best time to get married!” But why set a benchmark based on others? It’s crucial to recognise that everyone’s journey is unique, and there is no one "right" way to pursue success. Understand that progress is not linear so that we can relieve ourselves of the unnecessary pressure to conform to societal expectations to instead embrace our individual path.

Always Set Realistic and Personalised Goals
Sure, it’s important to dream big and aim high. But do it on your own terms, not what others think you should do! This will allow you to create a roadmap that suits your own circumstances and capabilities. By breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, we can progress at a pace that aligns with our strengths and resources. This approach not only enables steady progress but also boosts confidence and motivation along the way.

Embrace the Learning Process
When we focus solely on the end result, we risk missing out on the lessons and experiences that come from the journey itself. It’s completely fine to stumble and fall along the way. Make mistakes you can learn from; it’s the only way we can develop new skills and adapt to challenges, ultimately becoming more resilient to face future hurdles.

Celebrate Your Own Strengths and Accomplishments
Constantly comparing ourselves to others and their achievements can be detrimental to our self-esteem. It’s absolutely not fair to compare yourself with others since each person’s circumstances, background, and resources are different. Start recognising that your progress, no matter how small, helps maintain a positive mindset and fuels your motivation to continue moving forward.

The Gift of Personal Growth
Learn to appreciate the small victories, celebrate milestones, and savour the satisfaction of progress achieved at your own pace. Give yourself a pat on the back when you achieve something, no matter how small it is, instead of beating yourself up for not doing as much as others!

Remember, life is not a race, but a collection of moments, experiences, and lessons. So take a deep breath, trust your instincts, and embark on your unique path towards success!

Photo by Suzanne D. Williams on Unsplash.