Up, Up And Back To Square One: 7 Principles Of Progress You Need To Know

On your marks! Get set! Flop!


That's the way it is, when we run In circles.


Whether it's to get a promotion at your part-time job or studying for professional exams, it's very much possible to be in motion without really moving, and It's tiresome and downright frustrating— bummer! To avoid this dilemma especially in school, one needs to understand how 'progress' works, so we can evaluate ourselves. So how does it work? Here's what it really means to move forward, with thanks to leadership expert, John C Maxwell:


#1 Finalize your goals:


It all starts with Being able to describe one's desires crystal clear. You can be indecisive concerning certain matters but don't linger, as the first principle of progress is to "Know what you want!". No wind favours a sailor with no specific direction. When you get clear on your intentions, and you fully understand why you're doing it, you'll be setting the pace to move forward.


#2 Order your plans:


Knowing what to do is the first half of the equation. The other, is knowing how to go about it. That's where planning comes in. Brainstorm ideas, put them all together and try things out. They may not go according to plan, but you're better of trying. You never can tell what'll work.


#3 risk failure by taking action:


Taking those baby steps can be scary, but it's okay to be scared. On the contrary, letting your fears stop you from taking any action will kill your growth, literarily! If you don't play, you can't win— even if you're afraid to loose. You might get a few punches along the way, but you roll with the punches— eventually.


#4 Welcome mistakes:


Speaking of punches, perhaps the most significant rule of progress, is 'once bitten, twice shy. Twice bitten, Stupidity!'. Mistakes aren't the problem. It's 'loosing' because of them that is! If you've gone very far, you probably have a lot of mistakes to show for it. People who move around in circles, always make the same mistakes repeatedly, because they never learn (profit) from them. Embracing mistakes is crucial to moving forward.


#5 Advance based on character:


In life , we have defining points— the day you were born, the day you got into university, the day you graduate, when you say 'I do...', etcetera. Similarly, when we make mistakes, learn from them, and forge ahead, we pass through defining phases that strengthen us on the inside. You can say we 'advance based on character'. Moving forward means choosing to press on when its easier to jump off!


#6 Reevaluate your Progress:


How often do you stop for maintainace, or to refuel? If you never did (and you still haven't), then you're probably worn to pieces (if not now, you'll be— eventually). Sometimes all we need to do, is to stop and think to see how far we've gone and how much further we need to go. From reminding ourselves why we run, to seeing things in a new clear perspective, progressive revaluation is a breath of fresh air.


#7 Develop New Strategies:


If you want to succeed— you're never finished! You go from one level to the next, while trying to stay on top. Its not enough to make plans and put them in place. You also need to monitor and find new ways to improve.


There you have it. Irrespective of what you do (or intend to)— whether you want to get better grades or increase your Instagram followers , they work either way. What do you think? I'd love to know.

Photo Source:- deathandtaxes