The Power of Progress: Use It to Your Advantage by @WSRapport

by Karima Mariama-Arthur, Esq. | Featured Contributor

Accomplishing a goal requires executing a series of tasks that lead to a desired result. It’s the execution of these tasks, however, that gets most people. The Taj Mahal wasn’t built in a day and neither was Rome. I know you’ve heard these phrases before and would likely agree that all processes begin with some element of forward progress, be it a brick or scintilla of hope. Indeed, progress is simply moving closer, little by little, towards a desired result. So, rather than expect success to occur in one fell swoop, embrace it as a series of mini-wins along the way. This can be a source of frustration for many, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn to embrace progress, for without it, there can be no success.

Is embracing progress a stumbling block for you as you attempt to reach your goals?

If so, here are three ways to embrace it and create momentum, as you work to accomplish your goals:

1. Manage your expectations.

Whenever you decide to accomplish a goal, you must set and manage your expectations from the very beginning. Expect to chunk your success into useful, digestible components—not one big mammoth win. Don’t allow doubt to seep in; expect that you will achieve it. Cut off any other possibility, and behave in alignment with your desire to succeed. As evidence of your commitment to success, be proactive. Look for creative ways to move closer to your desired result. This kind of thinking will encourage you to re-commit to your success on a daily basis. Lao Tzu said, “The journey of one thousand miles begins with one step.” Take pride in the journey and carefully identify the stepping stones that lead you closer to the desired result.

2. Rinse and repeat.

Whoa there! Not so fast. Once you create a system that works don’t suddenly decide to re-create the wheel. Sure, artful tweaks here and there—and even hacks when necessary—can be useful. But don’t bog yourself down with developing completely new strategies for achieving results without a good reason. Innovation is great, but keep in mind that you are in the business of creating momentum and your objective is to pick up speed, increase your focus, and gather the kind of inspiration that will move you closer and closer to achieving your goal. Pay attention to your results. Master the kinds of behaviors that lead to success and ditch the ones that don’t.

3. Acknowledge and celebrate victories.

Whenever you achieve a milestone, acknowledge and celebrate it. It’s too easy to gloss over small victories and count them as less significant in comparison to the larger goal. Don’t do that. Remember that every mile marker is indeed a milestone. Acknowledge that each step means that you are closer to the ultimate win that when you began your journey. Respect the time and effort you produced to achieve each and every win—then celebrate and inspire yourself to achieve more and greater.

Were you stymied by the thought of making “progress” as you worked to achieve your goals? Now you have the tools to break through and embrace it. Reach for stars and expect that you will…

To your success!

Photo Credit: Renjith Krishnan via FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

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Karima Mariama-Arthur, Esq. – Expert Facilitator and Professional Development Consultant –Washington, DC

Founder and CEO, WordSmithRapport

As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WordSmithRapport™, Karima brings more than two decades of comprehensive, blue chip experience in law, business, and academia to the field of professional development. A leading authority in cutting-edge adult education and professional development, Karima is distinguished by her commitment to excellence and extraordinary talent for elevating executive brands. As an expert facilitator, executive communications consultant, and strategic leadership advisor, she trains, coaches, and consults individuals and organizations on the dynamics of complex communication and high performance leadership competence.

Karima is a Distinguished Toastmaster, United States Senate and a Corporate Speaker, certified by the International Association of corporate speakers.

Karima is the author of Get out of Your Way & Stop Sabotaging Your Success and the highly anticipated Boardroom Talking Points: A Guide to Polished Communication for Executives. A regular contributor to numerous high-profile media outlets, she has clarified the discussion on professional development as a leadership imperative. Karima is also featured on She Source, an online braintrust of female experts on diverse topics designed to serve journalists, producers, and booking agents who seek female guests and sources.

A Cornell Fellow and graduate of the University of California, Davis, and Roger Williams University School of Law, Karima enjoys helping young adults to increase self-confidence through communication and leadership excellence when not coaching executives.

Follow Karima on Twitter: @wsrapport or visit her Website, WordSmithRapport.com.

Karima Mariama-Arthur