WHY PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION, IS THE KEY TO YOUR BEST LIFE (& MY TOP 17 GROWTH HACKS)

Angela Giles
12 min readDec 13, 2018

Are you struggling with your goal-setting efforts? Do you think that your life has no positive gain and advancement? At some point in our existence, we will try to strive for perfection. But, perfection is not the key to a successful life. You just need to make progress — a positive and significant one. You can do it one step at a time. No need to hurry. Remember, progress, not perfection, is the key to the best life. Slow progress is better than no progress. 😉

How do you make significant progress every day? Do you regret not doing an important task today? Well, you can’t turn back time, and fill your dull day with productivity. The past is immutable and fixed. Let it serve as a valuable lesson for you. After all, each and every one of us needs some improvement. Embrace your boring day, and use it to your advantage. hehe Make it EXCITING by making progress! Below are some tips to make progress, and achieve your goals.

ALWAYS STRIVE FOR PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION

They say that there is no such thing as perfect. There is the need to strive for progress, not perfection. We sometimes perceive this as a very melodramatic line, but it’s true. At some point in our lives, we find ourselves running after something that is not even real. We forget to cherish our own progresses and achievements, no matter how big or small.

What happens if we forget about perfection? What if we change our perspectives for the better, and choose to focus on our own progresses? We can further motivate ourselves to keep going. Progress is the root of motivation and confidence. Exactly the push we need to keep trying and working hard. So, how can you distance yourself away from the idea of perfection?

FOCUS ON YOUR GIFTS, AND USE THEM WELL.

  1. All successful individuals know this. To be able to make progress, you need to look for inspiration that will fuel your goals. What will motivate you to move? How can you deliver value to the people around you? You only have one life to live. Why not use it to help others, and make their lives worthwhile?

Find your special gifts, and utilize them properly. Engage in selfless acts once in a while. Share your time and effort without waiting for any reward or compensation. Eventually, your sacrifices will be recognized. No good act is too big or too small. As long you impact someone else’s life in a positive manner, you make progress.

2. EMBRACE ALL THE HARSH COMMENTS.

We cannot control what people say about us. The only things we can control are our responses to these remarks. It’s true that most people are having a difficult time dealing with harsh feedbacks and comments. They think of it as a validation of who and what they are.

People who make progress in life know how to handle even the craziest, most painful comments. Don’t dwell too much on negativity. Instead, dissect all details for possible new lessons to improve yourself.

Harsh words can wake us from life’s craziness and mediocrity. While it’s true that getting criticisms can be uncomfortable, you can still get reflections on how you can improve. Where are all these criticisms coming from? Separate those criticisms that rot your own system and toss it. Always look for lessons you can get.

3. DON’T LET YOUR FAILURES SCARE YOU.

Strive hard to achieve your dreams. Use your passion, and high energy to get through all the challenges. At some points in your journey, you will fail. But don’t let those failures scare you, and stop you from reaching your goals. If you want to be productive, learn to embrace your failures. Those are your tickets to making progress.

When you let failures scare you, you are preventing yourself from being productive and making progress. Remember, there is no need to aim for perfection. It is impossible to have a perfect journey. Progress, not perfection, is your ticket to success. If failures knock you up, it’s okay. Just get up, and let your system get immune to rising up each time you fall.

4. FIND YOUR BEST SELF, AND CONTINUE SEEKING OPPORTUNITIES.

Never belittle yourself. You may find it difficult to believe, but yes, you can achieve more than what you have right now. If you want to learn how to be productive, try your best to improve your life, and the lives of others. There is always room for progress and improvement. Don’t remain complacent — life caters to the most adventurous seekers.

There are always opportunities waiting to unfold for people who are willing wait and work hard. Learn from the world’s most successful individuals. They overcame their own doubts. They motivated themselves despite the struggles and the pain, and produced amazing results. You can, too!

All advancements and improvements in this world started with a person who believed in his capacity to influence others. That belief led him or her to positively influence the lives of others. Once you find your best self, you will be the best in whatever endeavor you choose to do.

Get access to “The Ultimate Progress and Success Worksheet” by joining our Free Resource Library, just click below!

5. ACCEPT THE FACT THAT NOTHING IN LIFE IS FREE.

Are you familiar with Newton’s Law of Inertia? This law states that an object at rest will remain at rest unless a certain force acts on it. It will remain in motion unless a force stops it. If you want to be more productive, and make progress in your life, time and efforts are needed to change your position for the better.

There is no such thing as perfection. Progress, not perfection, is the key to your dreams. For you to achieve what you really want, you need to work for it, and make significant progress. Progress can entail long hours of work, help from the right individuals, and tons of sacrifices. There is no easy way. Nothing in life is free from hardship and sacrifices.

Do you want to get the best out of your life? Well, you can’t get it for free. Work needs to be paid in advance. If you are not prepared to pay the price of success, then you can’t have it.

6. EMBRACE YOUR OWN UNIQUE SELF.

Many people get insecure on several aspects of their lives. Are you one of them? You should understand that insecurities are the breeding grounds of excuses. When it comes to this matter, you can learn from one of the world’s favorite sports stars, Steph Curry. Successful and famous people like Steph Curry don’t mind how different they are compared to the norm of the industry.

Back in the day, Steph even received unflattering remarks about his physique. According to them, he would never excel because he would surely get trampled and pushed around the court. But those didn’t stop him from working hard to reach his goals. Those comments didn’t paralyze him. He continued to make progress, and succeeded.

The first thing he ever did? Set objectives. He targeted 250 shoots per day, as well as 100 before each game. Then, he trained hard. He turned his uniqueness and difference into his advantage. His productivity soon made significant progress. He is now recognized as one of the best NBA players in history.

7. DON’T TALK TOO MUCH ABOUT YOUR GOALS.

With the emergence of social media and technology, it is always very tempting to share your plans and goals to everyone. Research prove that announcing your intentions of pursuing new goals can be detrimental to your success. This could eventually lead to an energy decline to push for the objective.

Talking excessively about your tasks makes you think that you are very close to achieving it even though you have not started anything yet. Doing and talking compete for the same amount of time. It consumes your energy. Utilize your energy to something that delivers results. Trust me, before you know it, success already makes the noise for you.

8. DON’T HATE, OR BE AFRAID OF YOUR SLOW PROGRESS.

Embrace your progress, no matter how big or small it is. Slow progress is still progress. Don’t get discouraged, since this is perfectly normal in every success story. Successful people don’t believe in overnight success. They simply depend on willpower and motivation to sustain them. Learn from them. Let the slow progress fuel your drive for success.

Whenever you feel like you’re moving too slowly, seek for a new learning experience. So, you want faster advancement? Then, consider it as a challenge. New opportunities rise from a positive attitude! Focus on good outcomes instead of roadblocks. These roadblocks are instruments that represent that something new is coming.

9. EMBRACE YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS.

Adhering to the society’s default definition of success can drain you. Never pressure yourself with power, fame and money. Life has more significant things to offer! No person can ever define success for you. Work through your own definition. You may not know it yet, but you are already experiencing little successes each day.

When you don’t thrive in other people’s definition of success, it allows you to completely express yourself. No definition of success is worse or better than the other. It is all yours. Don’t just focus on chasing accomplishments. More so, perfection. Progress, not perfection, is the key to success. Find something that will fulfill you. Be productive. Make progress.

10. UNDERSTAND THE NEED TO BE SCHOOLED.

It is possible to learn any skill, and anything else you want. However, in order to accomplish that, you must be willing to learn. If you don’t work hard to improve the learning you currently have, then most likely, you would be left behind.

We are living in a fast-changing world, so you need to adapt to keep up with the times, and eventually, achieve your goals. Those individuals who can easily adapt are the ones who are willing to be taught, and are determined to learn. How to be more productive and successful? Always make room for more learning. When you stop acquiring new knowledge, you stop growing.

11. ENJOY SOME ALONE TIME.

Being alone is often associated with depression and anxiety. Why not view it from a different angle? Use alone time to help yourself, and to revisit your goals. What things are working well for you? Which ones are not? By contemplating on these things, you’ll be able to know yourself more.

Spending time alone can free your mind, and can allow you to do what you want to do. In the process, you become more productive and creative. Treat alone time as a golden phase that will help you target your objectives better.

12. ACKNOWLEDGE OTHER PEOPLE’S ACHIEVEMENTS.

Are you feeling a bit behind? Do you feel like everyone’s being productive, and making significant progress, yet you are here, not moving forward? It’s okay to contemplate on your life progress, but don’t ever feel jealous of others. Be happy for them! Jealousy is poison that exist inside many individuals. This negative attribute can be overpowered with humility and acceptance.

13. START YOUR DAY IN A POSITIVE WAY.

If you won’t start your day in a positive note, how can you make some progress? Don’t be nervous about taking that school exam. You studied well, you would definitely pass. Don’t be scared to go to work. There are various learning opportunities at the workplace. Take advantage of it. Begin your mornings positively, and embrace a vibrant feeling all throughout the day. By doing so, you will feel the urge to be productive.

Start your day with a smile, but don’t expect the day to run perfectly. You may still encounter challenges — just face it bravely. At times like this, remind yourself that progress, not perfection is the key to success. Focus on the journey, and the progress it creates. We all live different lives, and no one is perfect enough to have a 100% smooth run.

Optimistic thinking can change your life in an instant. Click here for positive thinking techniques for a healthier, happier and more progressive you!

Get access to “The Ultimate Progress and Success Worksheet” by joining our Free Resource Library, just click below!

14. FOCUS ON ONE THING AT A TIME.

For many people, 24 hours are not enough to accomplish important tasks. As a result, they multitask, and at times, produce poor quality results. Don’t be such in a hurry to accomplish things. Multitasking means giving partial focus on certain undertakings.

It’s true that life can be overwhelming, but don’t force yourself to take big leaps at such a small period of time. Give yourself some space and rest. Rest is part of the process and progress. Take it one step at a time.

15. LOOK FOR POSITIVE FAMILY MEMBERS, CO-WORKERS AND FRIENDS.

When you surround yourself with the right individuals, you can get tons of good influence. Positive stories and outlooks from positive people with positive affirmations can change your life for the better. It can impact your own way of thinking, and eventually affect your productivity level.

Looking for the right people to fill up your life can be challenging, but with patience and kindness, you will be able to find them. Don’t let negativity consume you! Seek new friendships and good relationships. Let them help you achieve the productivity and progress you deserve.

Do you know that happiness and productivity can come from other people? Read this article for more positivity in your life.

16. USE THE MIRROR TECHNIQUE.

Are you familiar with the mirror technique? This is a helpful technique for people who is in need of motivation and progress. In the morning and evening, stand in front of a mirror. Look at yourself. Did you do well today? What do you like most about yourself? Tell yourself how amazing you are, and how far you’ll go in the future.

By doing this exercise, you can change your mindset, and gain more confidence. You’ll begin to feel more optimistic about life and yourself.

17. HAVE A ZEN ATTITUDE.

Life is not something that is simply happening to you. It is happening FOR you. Consider all of life’s challenges as important lessons that can help you make further progress, and eventually, success.

If you suddenly find yourself stuck in an awful situation, don’t ask yourself “why is this happening to me?” Instead, choose to enforce a Zen attitude. Ask yourself, “what am I supposed to gain or learn from this”? or “how will this help me become a better, more enlightened person?” It all starts with the right mindset and attitude.

NEVER SKIP THE STRUGGLES! IT’S PART OF THE PROGRESS!

Are you feeling bad right now? Just relax, and contemplate on your current self. Soon, you will be the successful version of yourself. No one expects you to be perfect. Perfection is a damaging and unrealistic concept. It is not something that we should strive to achieve in life. Progress, not perfection, should be the main objective. The idea of perfection, alongside high expectations, can give birth to devastating disappointments.

Mistakes are part of the journey. Without it, you can’t gain wisdom. It is impossible to skip the struggles! Challenges and struggles are parts of your progress. Skipping the struggles means skipping all the valuable lessons. It is the mistakes we commit, and the lessons we learn that make us wiser, smarter and more resilient beings.

Life is a series of challenging decisions. Make one mistake, then your life can change forever. In order to make progress, you must make the best decisions possible. Here are some tips that will turn you to a decision-making ninja!

ANY PROGRESS AND SUCCESS TIP YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? LEAVE A COMMENT AND LET’S CONNECT! I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

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Angela Giles

Social Media Influencer helps entrepreneurs generate qualified leads & grow their biz income. Check out her Free Vault of Resources https://www.angelagiles.com