Going in Circles? Feeling Like There's No Progress? Here's a New Perspective


Hey Reader

I was having a conversation with a friend recently who mentioned they felt like they were going in circles. Then in typical Caribbean fashion I replied "if you going in circles then mi out circle you nuff time" — trying to bring a little levity to the conversation. Then getting back to seriousness, I reminded them that even if we "ah feel like we a 'spin like gig'", we don't truly start from the same place or end in the same place. The gig has moved from the point of origin.

When I feel like I'm going in circles, it's usually because I feel like I haven't made much progress and I'm doing the same thing over and over. That's when it started to connect - that "feeling like I'm doing the same thing over and over" is actually iteration in progress, but because there's frustration behind it - it doesn't feel like progress.

Similarly, another friend recently commented that they didn't feel like they were making much progress based on their age. I reminded them that they've accomplished a lot at their age compared to where I was at their age. I know "comparing yourself is taboo" but comparison is part of life. You can't know the difference between fast or slow if there isn't one thing to compare with another.

Last year during my "Chill & Be Still" Summer I shared with friends that I wasn't jealous of a particular thing someone else had - I was jealous of their progress because it seemed like they were advancing on their goals much faster than I was on my goals. I learned a lot last summer above speed or "perceive speed".

My 5 cents

  • If you're feeling like you're going in circles - maybe step back and see how this iteration could be different from the last.
  • If you're feeling like you're not making progress on a project or something personal in your life, I invite you to reflect on something that you have done/completed and think back to when you initially set out to do it.
  • Then for the progress you're trying to make now, what's one small thing that you can accomplish in 30 minutes or less towards whatever it is? Remember "One-one cocoa full basket" — progress comes from small, consistent efforts that add up over time.

These are as much for me as I share them with you. So when it comes to progress, just know - "Patient man ride donkey".


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Until next time, Walk good.

Kerry-Ann
Carry On Friends + Breadfruit Media

1977 Ralph Avenue, Suite 433, Brooklyn, NY 11236
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