Strive for Progress, Not Perfection

As we stepped into into 2017, I’m sure you’ve already made a list of the things you want to accomplish but have yet to. I’m sure you’re looked back on 2016 wondering “where did the year go?” “How much progress did I make?” And I’m sure you may be also thinking, “2017 is going to be my year!”

Am I right?

This is the thing: every year can be your year if you play your cards right. We all get the same amount of time in a day but what we choose to do with that time is what sets us apart from the rest of the bunch.

It is okay to want  all of your ducks to be in a row before you start something new or re-visit a lost dream, but let’s be realistic, life happens! We can’t wait on the perfect conditions to come to our aid. Why? Because perfection is not the goal, progress is.

Yes, I said it. YOUR GOAL IS NOT PERFECTION, ITS PROGRESS!

Progress is defined as “forward movement towards a destination, in space or in time.” Forward movement is critical. The key to setting and reaching goals is to plan in increments. Take steps to reach a goal so that it doesn’t not become overwhelming and eventually obsolete.

Creating a list of daily tasks and completing each one is good. Meeting and exceeding your quarterly and yearly goals is even better! And listen, sometimes working through life’s mishaps when you don’t feel like your work matters, is progress. I bet you can remember a time where your feelings took over your desire to do anything that included getting out of bed. But you got up anyway! No matter how big or small, progress is good.

You don’t need perfection to make progress and operate in excellence. Doing what you do and doing it well, is excellence. Dominating in your niche and in your lane is excellence. Serving mankind with a heart of gratitude is excellence. Now is not the time to settle on your success just because you don’t think you or what you are doing is good enough. Take these last few days of 2016 to set yourself up to make massive moves in 2017. How are massive moves made? By taking forward steps daily until you get to where you desire to be.

Remember, the goal is not perfection, but to continue making progress.