Word of the year: Progress

It’s easy to feel stuck, isn't it? For so long, I felt like I was just treading water, watching others seemingly leap forward while I stayed in the same spot. The idea of setting huge, daunting goals just made me freeze. That's why when I stumbled upon a quote by Lori Deschene, it truly hit home. She reminded me that 'progress, not perfection' is the key, and that it doesn't matter how slowly you go as long as you don't stop. This simple yet profound wisdom completely shifted my perspective and became the cornerstone of my 'word of the year' – Progress. Before hearing that, I used to think progress meant grand gestures and immediate, visible results. But what I've learned, and what Lori Deschene's insight really emphasizes, is the beauty of the small, consistent steps. It’s about building momentum, not expecting a sprint. This concept of "progress over perfection" has been a game-changer for me, especially when tackling areas like health, career, and relationships. Take health, for example. Instead of vowing to go to the gym for two hours daily (a goal I'd invariably abandon after a week), I started with something ridiculously small: a 10-minute walk each morning. Some days it's just a quick stroll around the block, but it's *something*. It’s that '1% better everyday' mentality. This tiny commitment built a habit, and slowly, those 10 minutes became 15, then 20. It wasn't about being perfect; it was about showing up for myself consistently. And the amazing thing is, those small, incremental efforts truly add up. You don't see the 'blue liquid' filling up instantly, but day by day, the level rises. In my career, I used to get overwhelmed by large projects. Now, I break them down into the absolute smallest tasks. If a task feels too big, I make it smaller. Just dedicating 30 minutes to one specific part, even if it's just organizing files, is progress. It’s not about finishing the whole project in one go; it's about moving the needle forward, however slightly. This approach has reduced my stress significantly and made work feel much more manageable. Relationships, too, benefit from this gentle approach. Instead of waiting for a grand gesture or a deep, hours-long conversation, I focus on tiny acts of connection. A quick text to a friend, a genuine compliment to a colleague, or simply being fully present during a short chat with family. These small interactions, when done consistently, deepen bonds over time. It's like nurturing a plant – you don't dump a whole bucket of water on it once a month; you give it small, regular sips. The power of Lori Deschene's words lies in their permission to be imperfect. It liberates us from the tyranny of 'all or nothing.' It teaches us that every tiny effort, every single step forward, no matter how small or slow, is still progress. It's about building a sustainable rhythm of improvement rather than chasing an unsustainable ideal of perfection. So, if you're feeling stuck like I was, remember: just keep moving. One small step, one '1% better' moment at a time. The destination will reveal itself as you go.