Progress is not about how fast you are going, but it is most definitely about forward motion.
We almost always equate progress with success — although sometimes that is debatable — and sometimes we also believe success has to happen quickly. Hence, the term “overnight success,” which is an oxymoron in itself.
I’ve achieved some successes in my life and I’ll tell you this: most of them took quite a bit longer to occur than I’d expected. I certainly wasn’t an overnight success as an author. Some people would say I’m still not a huge success, although I’ve achieved some of my goals, even as I’m setting my sights on some new ones. I’m happily married, although “happily married” doesn’t mean “never had to work through issues”. Like the sign posted in our bedroom says: The first fifty years of marriage are the hardest. My husband and I have a few years to go until our Golden Anniversary — but we’re focused on the years ahead instead of the ones behind us.
All this to say, I’m in agreement with Abraham Lincoln. Slow and steady — and not looking back — works best for me. I’m less likely to trip and fall on my face. And I’m more likely to see the opportunities waiting for me.
In Your Words: What’s your take on forward motion? Does slow and steady work for you or do you you prefer a faster pace? And do you see and advantage in going back?
[ctt template=”8″ link=”iq516″ via=”yes” ]In Others\’ Words: Never Look Back http://wp.me/p63waO-2r2 #quotes #progress [/ctt] [ctt template=”8″ link=”GMbN9″ via=”yes” ]\”I am a slow walker, but I never walk back.\” http://wp.me/p63waO-2r2 #quotes #AbrahamLincoln [/ctt]
Comments 7
Pace is unimportant. There is no future for me, and no past; all I have is Now.
Ow, wow, like, dude, I must’ve swallowed a Zen master!
Author
Andrew: So, like Zen and the Art of Life Maintenance? Is that what you’re going for here?
And even for you, I dare say pace is important. Because sometimes you go slower than you prefer — so you may go slow, but as you say, you don’t look back. And yet, you do look forward, knowing that eternity awaits. Yes?
beth, you are of course right; pace is important, and even going backward can be going forward, if the road requires trial and error.
But looking toward eternity…no, I really don’t, because it seems to me that it would take away the appreciation of the present, even when the present is painful.
Eternity will come. It isn’t going anywhere.
Beth, I tend to be a slow and steady girl. When I began the writing journey, I thought I’d move fast and be in the published realm within a few years. Ha, ha. Silly me. But on the slow and steady pace, God has taught me so much. About Himself. About me. I believe He’s equipping me for His plans on this journey. And He’s teaching me how to view things like where I am, where others are, and most importantly, my relationship with Him and those around me with an accurate perspective. Okay, so that last sentence may have a been a run-on of the worst kind. Hopefully, it makes sense.
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Jeanne: I so appreciate your perspective today. Because yes, going slow allows us to see what is going on around is … and what is going on inside us. It allows change to happen — emotionally and spiritually and mentally. (And yeah, we get older, too.)
The first 50 years are the hardest. 🙂 lol. We’ve got 10 more to go and then it’s smooth sailing for us. Love this post!
Author
That “first fifty” reminder always makes me laugh. 🙂 And sometimes you need a laugh — and the reminder to persevere!