In today’s fast-paced world, we often get caught up in the pursuit of future goals and dreams, forgetting to take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve already come. Not to mention the influx of social media with our friends, family, and stranger’s highlighted success. Granted, we don’t realize in the moment that everyone’s journey in life encompasses ups and downs and it’s vital to stay present when wins come.
This lack of reflection can rob us of the satisfaction that comes from acknowledging our progress. Whether it’s personal growth, career achievements, or overcoming life challenges, learning to appreciate your journey is key to maintaining motivation and a positive outlook. Here are five powerful tricks that can help you appreciate how far you’ve come.
5 Tricks to Appreciate How Far You’ve Come
#1 Keep a Personal Progress Journal
One of the most effective ways to track and appreciate your journey is by maintaining a personal progress journal. Writing down your thoughts, accomplishments, and even struggles allows you to reflect on your growth over time. Whether it’s on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, documenting your experiences helps you recognize the positive changes in your life that might otherwise go unnoticed.
For example, you might start by writing about challenges you’ve faced and how you overcame them. Re-reading these entries later can remind you of your resilience and strength. This form of self-reflection enables you to see patterns of growth in areas like emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and relationships. Additionally, a journal doesn’t only need to focus on achievements.
Record small wins, lessons learned from failures, and moments of gratitude. These seemingly insignificant milestones often add up over time, and reflecting on them helps you appreciate your long-term progress. A journal serves as a reminder that growth is gradual but always happening, even during periods when you feel stagnant.
#2 Create a “Success Wall” or Visual Progress Board
Another practical way to appreciate how far you’ve come is to make a “success wall” or visual progress board. This technique is based on the principle of visual reinforcement—surrounding yourself with visual reminders of your achievements can boost your sense of accomplishment. A success wall can include certificates, awards, photos, or even simple notes about accomplishments you’re proud of.
If you prefer something more private, a progress board that you keep tucked away can work just as well. Include pictures that represent moments of pride, as well as inspiring quotes or affirmations. Visualizing your achievements regularly will reinforce the belief that you are constantly evolving and succeeding. This board can also serve as a source of inspiration during tough times.
When faced with self-doubt, a quick glance at your success wall can reignite confidence and serve as proof of your capability to achieve great things. It also helps create a positive feedback loop: the more you acknowledge your progress, the more motivated you’ll be to keep going.
#3 Practice Mindful Reflection
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, and it can be incredibly powerful for appreciating where you are in life. Regularly setting aside time to reflect mindfully on your progress helps you stay grounded and connected to your journey. One simple technique is to practice mindfulness meditation focused on gratitude. Sit quietly, take deep breaths, and reflect on specific milestones or changes you’ve experienced.
This could range from improvements in your mental health, to a skill you’ve developed, or even personal attributes like increased patience or confidence. The key is to immerse yourself in feelings of gratitude and acknowledgment, focusing on how much you’ve grown rather than what you still need to accomplish.
Mindful reflection also helps to reframe negative thoughts. If you’re feeling stuck or discouraged, mindfulness can shift your focus from what you lack to what you’ve already achieved. Regular reflection trains your mind to appreciate the present and value your past progress, creating a more balanced perspective on your life.
#4 Celebrate Small Wins
One of the most overlooked aspects of appreciating progress is the failure to celebrate small wins. We often focus so heavily on big goals that we neglect to recognize the significance of the smaller, incremental steps that lead us there. Celebrating small wins helps you stay motivated and appreciate the journey rather than just the destination.
For instance, if you’re working toward a major life goal like earning a degree, landing a new job, or building a business, there are numerous small victories along the way that are worthy of recognition. These can include finishing a challenging assignment, networking with a potential employer, or hitting a new sales target. Each of these smaller accomplishments contributes to the larger goal and should be celebrated as part of your ongoing success.
Celebrations don’t have to be extravagant. Acknowledging small wins can be as simple as treating yourself to something you enjoy or taking a moment to reflect on the effort you’ve put in. When you learn to appreciate these small victories, your mindset shifts from one of constant striving to one that honors the progress already made.
#5 Seek External Validation and Feedback
Sometimes, we become so immersed in our personal or professional lives that we can’t see the full extent of our progress. This is where external validation or feedback can be invaluable. Talking to friends, family, mentors, or colleagues about your journey can provide fresh perspectives that help you realize how far you’ve come.
People who know you well may be able to point out areas of growth or achievement that you’ve overlooked. For example, a close friend may remind you of how much more confident you’ve become in social settings, or a mentor might highlight how much your skills have improved in your career.
These external observations can often serve as a reality check, showing you that you are indeed making progress, even when it feels like you’re stuck. Additionally, don’t shy away from asking for feedback in professional settings. Constructive feedback from supervisors or peers can help you measure your progress more objectively. External validation, combined with your own reflections, creates a fuller picture of your journey.
Related: CGS Podcast Episode – The Power of Visualization
Learning to appreciate how far you’ve come is about recognizing and celebrating your growth along the way, rather than waiting until you’ve achieved the “big” goals. By keeping a personal progress journal, creating visual reminders of success, practicing mindful reflection, celebrating small wins, and seeking external feedback, you can foster a mindset of gratitude and self-appreciation.
These practices remind you that progress is an ongoing process, and every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Appreciating the journey keeps you motivated, grounded, and ready for the challenges ahead. What do you do to make sure you recognize your growth in the present? Drop a comment to share!
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-Taelor
The CGS Team
