let me paint you a picture that might feel a little too familiar. You’re scrolling through Instagram, seeing all these amazing wins from other entrepreneurs – someone’s celebrating their 10,000th email subscriber, another just launched a six-figure course – and here you are, working hard every single day but feeling like you’re moving at a snail’s pace.
I’ve been there, and today I’m sharing five game-changing strategies that completely transformed how I think about progress in my own business. Because here’s the truth: that “slow” progress you’re feeling frustrated about? It’s actually the foundation of everything sustainable in your business.
1. Redefine What Progress Really Means
You know what’s interesting about progress? We often think of it like those before and after photos you see on Instagram – dramatic, instantly visible changes. But real progress, the kind that actually sticks? It’s more like watching your kids grow. Day to day, you might not notice much difference, but look back at photos from six months ago, and wow – the change is undeniable.
Here’s what I’ve learned: progress isn’t just about the end numbers; it’s about working on the right things that move you toward your bigger goals. If growing your email list is a key goal, then every single activity that contributes to that growth – whether it’s creating a lead magnet or setting up your first automation – that’s progress, even if your subscriber count hasn’t jumped dramatically yet.
2. Break Free from the Comparison Cycle
Let me share something that completely changed my perspective on this. I call it the “racing horse blinders” approach. Think about those horses in a race – they wear blinders for a reason. Not because the other horses aren’t worth looking at, but because each horse needs to focus on their own lane, their own pace, their own finish line.
Instead of comparing yourself to others, try this: Focus on being in competition with yourself from three months ago. Are you showing up more consistently? Have you learned new skills? Are you serving your audience better? These are the comparisons that actually matter.
3. Create Systems That Work Even When Motivation Doesn’t
Let me share one of my favorite strategies – I call it the “productive pockets” system. Instead of waiting for those perfect, uninterrupted blocks of time (which, let’s be honest, rarely exist), build content creation into your daily activities.
One of my most effective systems is what I call the “three topics” rule. Each evening, I write down just three main priorities for the next day. Not twenty, not ten – just three. This keeps me from feeling overwhelmed and helps me maintain momentum, even when progress feels slow.
4. Navigate Low-Motivation Days Like a Pro
Here’s a truth bomb that changed everything for me: Success isn’t about feeling motivated all the time – it’s about knowing how to move forward even when you don’t. I’ve developed what I call the “minimum viable progress” approach. On those low-energy days, focus on identifying the smallest possible action that still counts as progress.
Keep a “motivation emergency kit” ready:
- A list of your past wins to remind you how far you’ve come
- Screenshots of positive feedback from clients or customers
- Your “why” statement – the real reason behind your goals
- A list of the smallest possible actions you can take for each major project
5. Celebrate Milestones Strategically
Instead of waiting until December to look back at your year, create regular checkpoints to acknowledge your progress. It’s like having pit stops in a marathon – chances to refuel, check your pace, and celebrate how far you’ve come.
I’ve developed what I call my “milestone mapping” approach. At the start of each quarter, identify:
- Technical milestones (like implementing new systems)
- Growth milestones (specific numbers or metrics)
- Learning milestones (new skills or capabilities)
- Impact milestones (ways you’re helping your audience)
Your Next Step: The Progress Pathway Challenge
I have a special challenge for you – I call it the “Progress Pathway Challenge” and it only takes 15 minutes. Here’s what I want you to do right after reading this:
- Grab a piece of paper and draw three columns
- In the first column, write down three goals you’re working toward
- In the second column, list every tiny step you’ve already taken toward each goal
- In the third column, write the very next small action you could take in the next 24 hours
Remember, friend: Progress always beats perfection. Take it one step at a time, celebrate your wins (no matter how small), and keep moving forward in your own way, at your own pace.
Share your Progress Pathway with me on Instagram using #ProgressPathwayChallenge – I’d love to celebrate your steps forward with you!
