Nothing makes you feel like you’re making no more progress than unpaid student loan balances, failed romantic relationships, and unsatisfying careers. Millennial life doesn’t really lend itself to many victories, but somehow we remain hopeful and move forward. In every unpredictable moment, our success is the most important thing, however, sometimes it seems that we are not making progress.
Life is far from picturesque and is full of misleading promises and crude results. Unfamiliar with this fact, I soon came face to face with its truth after graduating from college. The “career prep” classes and internships left me unemployed and opinionated, prompting me to return home. Most of my colleagues had done the same, which was and still is the norm today. Rejection emails were my way of life back then, leading to my first adult meltdown shortly after college. Despite my wounded ego and unfulfilled expectations, I finally received an offer to work as an administrative assistant with the federal government.
My first job after college was not the career of my dreams. The excitement died after six months.
The thing about progression is that one step forward is never enough. My first job after college was not the career of my dreams. The excitement of being employed died quickly after six months. I appreciated the opportunity. The position helped me move into an apartment that made life more exciting because I was free to do whatever I wanted. Dating became more intriguing and I came to understand my inner self from those experiences and from being alone. In fact, I was grateful for the experience, but I was also aware that I needed and wanted more from my life, my relationships, and my career. He knew full well that everything from landing the ideal job to falling in love took time and happened in smaller increments.
Little Things Need Love Too
We rarely celebrate minor accomplishments for long periods, although small accomplishments bring us closer to the life of our dreams. If we want love, we go out to determine the person who complements our life. Then somehow, through pain, annoyance, and passionate moments, we meet our soul mate. Small successes along the journey help us progress through various experiences to reach our goals.
Achievement is not a one-step process for everyone. Success is not final and is always available. I didn’t last a year in my first job even though I was successful in the position. Eight months on the job gave me a better opportunity. I accepted the position and came closer to achieving my personal career benchmarks in both responsibility and salary.
We rarely praise small victories, but every step counts. Instead of taking the time to appreciate the details, we jump ahead to focus on the ending because we want our “stuff.” Why bother with the job interview when we want the offer? Rather than praise ourselves for beating hundreds of candidates to interview with company executives, we focus solely on the bottom line. Even in our relationships, we tend to emphasize the importance of getting love rather than enjoying the physical and mental connections that a moment with someone brings us. Do we really appreciate our successes as much as we think?
Be Honest About Your Progress
Take a moment to name one thing you want to accomplish. Now write down the steps that will lead you to your goal. Make sure your actions are as specific and detailed as possible. Each step is a smaller goal that will lead you to your main goal. Although listing the details of your goal is time-consuming, this step is necessary to be realistic.
When we are unrealistic, we create opportunities for stress, doubt, and lack of motivation. Losing weight is the most tedious if it is not still practical. I enjoy staying in shape, but I also dislike exercising and dieting. Fortunately, I am an expert in portion control and am willing to exercise for at least 30 minutes a couple of times a week. Knowing this, I create a step-by-step plan to stay consistent and focus on hitting that benchmark. I exercise for 30 minutes and do this almost every day due to the reduced time. Rather than sticking to a fixed diet, I only eat smaller portions of the foods I enjoy. This has allowed me to maintain my weight for over five years.
We have to start wondering if we really appreciate our successes as much as we think.
When I talk to friends or family about their weight loss journey, they often tell me elaborate plans for its outcome. As they describe the outcome and not the steps, it is clear that things would fall apart. Someone who takes the time to plan everything that will lead to a result is planning to achieve his or her goal. Wanting the result is normal; However, if you celebrate losing weight, improving eating habits, and improving skin and hair, you can appreciate the whole journey and not the end goal.
Final Thoughts
The bubble-popping truth is that we can’t leave out the little details as we go along. Tears and the frustration of achieving lesser goals add to the appeal of “the goal.” Not everything can happen overnight and if it did, existing in this complicated and intricate world would be unsatisfying. We have to start wondering if we really appreciate our successes as much as we think.
When I talk to friends or family about their weight loss journey, they often tell me elaborate plans for its outcome. As they describe the outcome and not the steps, it is clear that things would fall apart. Someone who takes the time to plan everything that will lead to a result is planning to achieve his or her goal. Wanting the result is normal; However, if you celebrate losing weight, improving eating habits, and improving skin and hair, you can appreciate the whole journey and not the end goal.
The bubble-popping truth is that we can’t leave out the little details as we go along. Tears and the frustration of achieving lesser goals add to the appeal of “the goal.” Not everything can happen overnight and if it did, existing in this complicated and intricate world would be unsatisfying.
