When in Doubt, Zoom Out
In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to get frustrated with what feels like a lack of progress. Often, we are too zoomed in, focusing on the short-term setbacks and missing the bigger picture. When in doubt, zoom out, and look at how far you have come over a longer time horizon. Consistency and perseverance lead to compounded growth, and it's important to pause and appreciate this gradual improvement.
Take my experience with writing on Stacker News as an example. Initially, I was obsessed with maintaining my streak, focusing so much on not breaking it that the quality of my writing suffered. After achieving a month-long streak, I aimed to keep it going indefinitely. However, I eventually broke the streak. This setback made me realize the importance of the bigger picture. Zooming out, I saw that the streak itself was less significant than the habit of consistent writing I had developed. Comparing my current output to last year, where I barely posted anything, and to the previous year, where I only wrote inconsistently in my journal, the progress was evident. Transitioning from private journaling to sharing my work publicly marked substantial growth.
A similar lesson came from my sprint training. Starting in 2021 with a top speed in the 18 mph range, I have significantly improved over three years. My average and maximum speeds have both increased, and I am getting faster every year with my current best speed being 20.13 mph. Sometimes, I get caught up in comparing my most recent speeds week by week, expecting continuous improvement. This unrealistic expectation can be discouraging. However, by zooming out, I can see that my overall trajectory is upward, confirming that my efforts are paying off.
Modern life often feels overwhelming with its rapid pace, making it easy to lose sight of our long-term progress. We forget to zoom out and reflect on how far we’ve come after years of consistent work. Whether it’s writing, sprinting, exercising, adhering to a diet, or any other endeavor, as long as the long-term trajectory is upward, we are on the right track.
In conclusion, whenever you feel stuck or doubt your progress, take a moment to zoom out. Reflect on your journey and acknowledge the improvements you've made over time. This perspective shift can renew your motivation and reassure you that consistent effort leads to meaningful growth.