It’s not unusual for a person to think they’re doing worse than they actually are. Some of us are just more pessimistic than optimistic. Progress can also be hard to see sometimes unless you’re looking in the right places and listening to the right people.
If you feel like you’re working hard with little to show for it, you’re probably mistaken. Oftentimes it is likely that you’re doing a lot better than you think! We are so hard on ourselves at times that we fail to see how powerful we really are and the difference you are making in others.
I remember the day this happen to me just as clear as it was yesterday. I was beating my self up thinking I should be further along then I was, after all I have been in business for 10 years. Why aren’t things moving at pace I wanted it to go. I was making assumptions, comparing myself to others, underestimating myself and last certainly not least I was beating myself up. Can you relate to these miserable habits I was creating? Anyway, I was set straight when a knock on the door change everything I was thinking. My company donated a silent auction gift to one of the local organizations. They didn’t want me to mail so they sent someone to pick it up. I opened the door to the carrier and she screamed “Oh my God it’s you! You changed my life. I heard you speak at a conference and i really resonated with your story. I stopped smoking and now on this journey to being well. Thank you for sharing, I now know I am worth it and I can and deserve to be better. You said “better is always available.” Because of you I am better”. You never know who’s watching and benefiting from your presence and what you are doing. Micheal A. Wright said it best “There is nothing quite like the realization that simply who you are is motivation for someone else to succeed.” I remember thinking you are doing better then you think.
Consider these positive signs:
1. You learn the lesson that each mistake and failure provide. If you can learn something from every failure and mistake, it won’t take long before you’re incredibly successful.
Most people repeat their errors over and over, whether it’s overspending or choosing a partner. People have a strong tendency to repeat their behaviors. But you can choose to act differently than you did the last time you were in a similar situation!
2. You’re clear on what you want. This can be half the battle. You have a huge advantage over the competition if you know what you want. Most people are aimlessly floating through life.
3. You spend your time wisely. Spend your time well and good things happen. Spend your time poorly and your life will be a train wreck.
When deciding what you’re going to do next, ask yourself what’s the best use of your time would be. Then, do it.
4. You’re making regular progress. Consistent progress is a great sign. Even if you feel like you’re lightyears from your goal, all you need is regular progress. Many people have been dieting for years and haven’t lost a single pound. Even a pound of weight loss each month is meaningful over a period of time.
5. You’re consistent in your efforts. Successful people put in some work on a daily basis. Success isn’t about working really hard for a day here and there.
Being consistent in your efforts also means that you’re sticking to your goals. Working for a week on one goal and then changing your mind and working on something else is a path to nowhere.
6. You’re not alone. There are people that are alone in the world. If you’re not alone, you’re doing better than many others.
7. You’re optimistic. When you’re optimistic, there’s hope. When you’re optimistic, you’ll take action.
Conversely, when your expectations are low, you quickly become stuck, because you believe your efforts will be a waste of time.
8. You’re determined. Commitment is a great sign that you’re going places. Good things happen when you’re determined.
9. You’re not worried about the opinions of others. If you care too much about what others think, you’ll prefer to play it safe, and you won’t do anything significant. You can leave them and their opinions in the dust behind you!
10. You have a dry, warm place to sleep. If you’ve ever had to go without this, you know how nice this is. If you don’t have to deal with this situation, then you’re doing better than you think.
11. You have a thriving business or job. A steady income is a great thing. Many people either can’t find work or are unable to maintain employment. Even if you’re earning less than you’d like, it’s a lot better than earning nothing at all.
12. You’re healthy. If you’re basically healthy, you have a huge leg up on a lot of people. Good health is a huge blessing. The first line of your wealth is your health.
Our society is easy in many ways and quite challenging in others. A high priority is placed on success, but there are other things that are also important. Friends, a warm bed, and the ability to make a living are pretty relevant, too.
If you’re clear on what you’re trying to accomplish, and you’re spending your time wisely, you’re doing quite well. This is true even if the results haven’t revealed themselves yet. Have faith!
