Signs You're Actually Making Progress In Your Life, Even If It Doesn't Feel Like You Are

Don't listen to that little voice in your head, or the world. You're actually making more giant leaps in your growth than you know...

From time to time, just as I am sure you do too, I’ll get those days where my imposter syndrome likes to pop its head and say hello. It then kickstarts my ego to start doubting myself, my accomplishments, and my worth.

This is why daily grounding and meditation is so important. It certainly takes practice and discipline to connect quietly with your true self, but it helps decrease your self doubt more and more each time you do it. It’s a vehicle to reach your core and arrive at what is real and authentic.

You’re behind the wheel of your mind, drive it carefully. The rest will follow.

Review/Discussion: 10 Signs You’re Actually Making Progress In Your Life, Even If It Doesn’t Feel Like You Are

“This Is How You Heal” by Brianna Wiest

I love and value all of Brianna Wiest’s work, but this essay in particular is one that I feel everyone in the world should read and reflect on.

Today’s world is unfortunately so heavily driven on constant comparison and self criticism, that it has led society to lose its foundation and framework for self confidence. Likes, Followers, and Shares have now become a prime way people measure their progress and success.

Trust, belief, and faith in oneself has weakened due to this superficial conversion of the world. But, not all is lost. You can absolutely go against this new norm, and learn how to recognize and acknowledge your progress. Not only will you be in awe of what incredible leaps you’ve made in your life, but you'll also adopt a new and deepened sense of gratitude that will filter out toxins from your mind and soul. You’ll be re-acquainted with self love and self appreciation. And trust me when I say, those two are the best friends you’ll ever have and need. Keeping them around daily will make each day live up to its name: the present (a gift indeed).

I know it seems like the only way to measure your progress is by timing, milestones, and goals reached, but in reality, progress is more about how we get into alignment with what we need and want, and less about how perfectly we paint the outward picture of what we think we’re supposed to be. - Brianna Wiest

Brianna breaks down 10 signs you’re actually making progress, but four out of those ten in particular will make the biggest impacts in your life. She does a fantastic breakdown of each, which I encourage you all to read on your own time. But, I’ll list the headers here:

1. You’ve lost relationships

2. You’re doubting your next step

3. You feel slightly embarrassed of your past self.

4. You’re slowing down.

5. You're starting to care more about how you feel as opposed to what other people think.

6. You’re processing feelings you forgot about.

7. You’re aware of what’s wrong, even if you don’t know what would be right.

8. You’re experiencing serendipitous alignment.

9. You’re more concerned with being happy than being successful.

10. You’re beginning to understand that there is no “finish line”.

I know what you’re thinking. These don’t sound like good things. But, rest assured they are some of the most profound signs that you are healing, growing, and progressing. Brianna explains each one beautifully in her book.

For now, I’ll let you in on the ones that I found to be most inspiring and transformative…

You’ve Lost Relationships

We don’t lose relationships because we’re not worthy of them, we lose them because we’re mismatched to them. - Brianna Wiest

My take on this…

Losing friendships or relationships with people as you get older and wiser is a good thing. As time passes by, you arrive closer towards your true self and purpose. The person who you were when you initiated a relationship with certain people, is not who you are today. The one that matters is the one you are today - it’s the real you. Maintaining a relationship with people who have remained stagnant, and don’t benefit your growth were not meant to be there forever.

You’re Slowing Down

In this stillness and rest, we often find answers we didn’t know we were asking for.

My take on this…

As humans it’s our tendency to become hyper fixated on what we think we want. We are quick to jump and run towards making our dream a reality, never coming up for air. But, once we do come up for air and slow down, we hear our true self speak. Without hesitation, we hear what we really want and need. Spoiler: It won’t be what you thought you wanted so bad. It will be the complete opposite, because that is what will truly serve your highest good.

You’re Experiencing A Serendipitous Alignment

There’s often a plan greater than yours, but it’s not until we surrender that we truly understand the redirection. - Brianna Wiest

My take on this…

We have to let go, to let what is truly meant for us come in. Again, if you find yourself getting hyper fixated on something that is just not happening for you, it’s your sign to let go. The good news is that it didn’t happen for you because there is something so much better and bigger trying to make its way into your life!

You’re More Concerned With Being Happy Than Being Successful

What if your goal was to enjoy each day as much as you could? - Brianna Wiest

My take on this…

From birth we are programmed to dream big, win awards, get the degrees, get the jobs, start the companies, get the promotions, get the raises, and the list goes on. Exhausting right? Most often than not, all those things will steer you more and more away from authentic happiness. So, where is the “success” in that? Without happiness, what does it all even matter anyway?

Conclusion

I think this is one of the most important essays to read if you’re in the process of healing your soul. Although it’s a simple concept, it’s one we forget and underestimate the most. We can’t afford to do that or we will just lose ourselves in the process. You are indeed growing more than you knew, so do me a favor and celebrate with a nice meal or drink of your choice! You’re amazing!