Why measure your progress against your past, not your future
One of the most intriguing books I've come across recently is "The Gap and the Gain" by Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan. This book offers a wealth of insights, but there is one idea that has particularly resonated with me, and I am eager to share it in this article.
The book opens with a compelling examination of Thomas Jefferson's wording in the American Declaration of Independence. This document holds immense importance in Western culture, as it articulates the fundamental right of individuals to pursue happiness.
This notion implies that happiness is an external goal, something to be chased and achieved rather than a state of being we possess.
This philosophy continues to influence our society profoundly. Many people believe that happiness is contingent upon certain achievements: landing a promotion at work, finding the perfect partner, losing a specific amount of weight, creating an ideal living space, earning a higher salary, or achieving an ideal family life.
However, the unfortunate reality is that the criteria for happiness seem to shift continuously. The idea that happiness is a pursuit leads to a perpetual sense of dissatisfaction with our current situation.
When this mindset is adopted, happiness is always portrayed as something that lies in the future, just out of reach. But what about the present moment? What about recognizing and appreciating what you have right now?
There is an opportunity to change this way of thinking. Instead of measuring success against an imagined future, consider looking back at what you have accomplished and learned. It's easy to overlook the significant milestones of your life because they become routine.
For instance, think back to when you learned to walk or when you first read and wrote. These milestones, once significant achievements, are now part of your everyday life and may go uncelebrated.
Therefore, it is crucial not to measure your progress against some distant ideal. Doing so can only lead to disappointment. Instead, reflect on where you started and compare that to your current self. By focusing on your journey, you can more clearly see how much you have grown.
Create a detailed list of achievements over the last decade. This list should encompass not just tangible gains like wealth or status, but also changes in your mindset, life experiences, and the knowledge you have acquired.