As I moved the graphic over into this blog post, two words stood out to me in the quote: in progress.
“In progress” means motion. Forward motion. We’re moving toward something — a goal. A dream. There’s action happening.
When I was deciding on the graphic to use for the quote, I skimmed through lots of photos of staircases and stepping stones. But I found myself thinking, “No. I need movement in the picture. I need someone walking up those stairs.” And that’s why I settled on the photograph above. Only afterward did the words “in progress” jump out at me.
Too often we beat ourselves up when our efforts don’t produce the results we want fast enough. Or the results aren’t good enough and we have to start over — take a step or two back — and try again. We call ourselves “failures” and wonder how many other people realize that about us, too. We wonder why we even tried in the first place. We think about giving up — just stopping in our tracks because, really, what’s the point?
The point is progress.
And one thing I’ve learned is progress is rarely from success to success to success. I may know where I want to go. I may even map out my steps. But some of those steps can end up being missteps.
That doesn’t mean I’m a failure. It just means I’m not where I want to be yet. But that’s okay: I am a work in progress. I will get where I’m going a little at a time, with leaps and bounds and missteps.
We are all works in progress. Not perfect — but our efforts are worth our time. We never know who we will meet along the way … and we just may be surprised at who we become …
In Your Words: How do you feel about being a work in progress?
In Others' Words: A Work in Progress http://bit.ly/2Aseq5H #quotes #perspective Click To Tweet 'Stop beating yourself up. You are a work in progress, which means you get there a little at a time, not all at once.' Quote by Unknown http://bit.ly/2Aseq5H #progress #perspective Click To Tweet
Comments 10
Yes, “in progress” is a very encouraging phrase–even if some of us have been “in progress” a considerable time. Still, the idea of forward movement is encouraging. In the fable of the tortoise and the hare, the tortoise eventually won.
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Dee: I like the words “in progress” more than I ever have before, thanks to this quote. 🙂
This morning I would settle for survival.
It was a very long night, and I’m in trouble, I think, so I’d also ask for this:
I’m asking You God, to give me what You have left.
Give me those things which others never ask of You.
I don’t ask You for rest, or tranquility.
Not that of the spirit, the body, or the mind.
I don’t ask You for wealth, or success, or even health.
All those things are asked of You so much Lord,
that you can’t have any left to give.
Give me instead Lord what You have left.
Give me what others don’t want.
I want uncertainty and doubt.
I want torment and battle.
And I ask that You give them to me now and forever Lord,
so I can be sure to always have them,
because I won’t always have the strength to ask again.
But give me also the courage, the energy,
and the spirit to face them.
I ask You these things Lord,
because I can’t ask them of myself.
– Andre Zirnheld
Author
Andrew: You’ve been quiet these past few days. And the words “work in progress” always makes me think of writing stories. I know your story isn’t the one your planned. It’s one none of us would have ever undertaken. And yet you walk it out, step by step, with courage and and a desire to show others what perseverance looks like. And what mercy to others looks like. Praying for you, friend.
Author
You are the definition of a survivor, Andrew.
Great post and encouraging. Thanks.
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Thank you for saying so, Paula. 🙂
Thank you, dear Beth, for the comforting reminder we are works “in progress.” I’m grateful God is the brain and the brawn behind any work He begins in me. It gives me hope. 🙂
Blessings ~ Wendy Mac
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Wendy: I appreciate your perspective of God being the brain and the brawn behind any work He begins in us. Truth. 🙂