The Truth about Making Progress
Making progress, whether it's in your personal life, career, or any other area, is a complex and often nonlinear journey. Since the path is generally not linear, it can often become discouraging or make the effort seem futile. From my personal experiences in powerlifting and what I’ve seen with all of the athletes we’ve worked with, those that can keep pursuing even when times are difficult and seem stagnant are the athletes are get the most benefit in the long term. Here are some truths about making progress:
It Takes Time: Progress rarely happens overnight. It often requires consistent effort and patience. Be prepared for the long haul. There will be athletes who come in and seem to destroy the competition for a period of time. This is what Josh Gutridge would call “”Flash in a pan”. There might be people who pass you and your abilities in a much shorter time, but they usually don’t last because they don’t learn the process of building up their skill sets. Use your time to your advantage and you can pass these people in the end. The longer time frame you can give yourself, the more you’ll stack up small wins along the way.
2. Setbacks Are Normal: You may encounter setbacks, failures, or obstacles along the way. These are a natural part of the process and can provide valuable learning experiences. Morgan, a wrestler I’ve worked with for the last three years tore his pec tendon off during a workout. For many, this would psychologically crushing and likely an exit from the sport. He used the injury to build skills and strategies that were lagging and has since gone on to win in international competition and raise his national ranking higher than it previously had been. Injuries and other set backs can end your journey or help you discover more effective means to reach your goals.
3. Small Steps Matter: Progress is often made through a series of small, consistent steps rather than dramatic leaps. Celebrate small victories; they add up over time. This is why we have our clients track their workouts, celebrate bright spot Fridays, and keep a PR board inside the gym. It’s often difficult to see all of the progress being made unless you take time to acknowledge the progress you have made.
4. Adaptability Is Key: Be open to adjusting your plans and strategies as you gain new insights or as circumstances change. Flexibility is important for sustained progress. One of my favorite things I’ve heard in the last year is “What got you to this point, will not get you to where you want to be”. Shelby was a great D1 pitcher, but after a sub par season she knew she had to change something in her pitching delivery. She spent the off season changing her pitching mechanics and ended up having a great season the following year and then had a great year pitching at the professional level. She was open to change and was rewarded for being able to adapt to the demands of a higher level.
5. Consistency Is Crucial:Consistency in your efforts is often more important than occasional bursts of intense activity. Establishing good habits can lead to steady progress. One brutal workout that leaves you so sore that you can’t exercise for a week is much less effective than doing 30 minutes of movement each day. Consistency over intensity.
6. It's Not Always Linear: Progress doesn't always follow a straight line. You may experience periods of rapid growth followed by plateaus. I remember when I had made a 600lb Bench Press in competition. It was a good lift for me and I felt like I had room for more. It took me 11.5 months to add 5lbs to that lift. Then I would add over 60lbs to my Bench Press in under 6 months. It was the continued effort and compounding effect that made that happen.
7. Motivation Wanes:Motivation can be inconsistent. Relying on discipline and commitment, even when motivation is low, is essential to maintain progress. When someone begins something new, there is a lot of excitement for the new thing. As time goes on, the amount of repetition becomes boring for many people. Kobe Bryant talked about his morning shooting routines
8. Comparison Can Be Harmful: Comparing your progress to others can be discouraging. Focus on your unique journey and what matters to you personally. Teddy Roosevelt was quoted saying “Comparison is the thief of joy”. Everyone comes from a different background, different start points and has a different amount of time involved in something. Only focus on your journey and have pride in the journey you’re on.
9. Support Matters: Seek support and guidance from mentors, peers, or a community with similar goals. They can provide motivation, advice, and accountability. Ask any successful athlete or business person about their success. They’ll speak about their team mates, coaches, and the people who help support them and make their performance possible. Michael Jordan was a great basketball player, but had the privilege of being coached by Phil Jackson who is one of the most successful coaches in the history of the NBA. Jordan also had the support of Scottie Pippen who is maybe the best support player in NBA history. They helped elevate what Jordan was able to do in his career.
Remember that progress is unique to each individual, and there's no one-size-fits-all formula for success. Stay committed to your goals, learn from your experiences, and keep moving forward, even when the path isn't always clear or easy.
Nick Showman
Showtime Strength & Performance