Progress Reports: A Path to Growth
“Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing towards what will be.” — Khalil
Gibran
We all remember the elementary school progress report — the periodic evaluation that offered
insights into our academic performance, work habits, and social/emotional development. It
covered everything from how well we “worked and played with others” to how we were
progressing toward our potential. Teachers and parents valued these reports, as they provided a
tangible way to track how we were advancing.
But once we left elementary school, progress reports disappeared. Suddenly, we were on our
own to set and achieve our goals, and I didn’t realize how valuable those reports were until they
were gone.
“No man can stand still; the moment progress is not made, retrogression begins. If the
blade is not kept sharp and bright, the law of rust will assert its claim.” — Orison Swett
Marden
In time, I’ve learned the importance of tracking progress, both personally and professionally. It
keeps my team and me focused and moving forward. In my first post of the year, I encouraged a
reset of goals, emphasizing the importance of creating a clear, actionable plan for improvement.
As the American Psychological Association notes, the more frequently you monitor your
progress, the greater your likelihood of success.
Whether you’re tracking personal or professional goals, the benefits of progress reports are just
as valuable now as they were in elementary school. Here are some key reasons why tracking
progress matters:
- Focus and Clarity: Tracking progress brings focus and clarity to both our professional and
personal lives. By measuring where we are, we can identify where we need to go. - Engagement and Motivation: Revisiting our goals and reviewing our progress helps us stay
engaged and motivated. It reignites our passion for continuous improvement, pushing us to
keep moving forward. - Enhanced Performance: As we develop new skills and get closer to our goals, both the
individual and the team advance. Regular check-ins allow us to recommit to our objectives,
enhancing our performance both personally and professionally. - Accountability:Tracking progress holds us accountable to the goals we’ve set. It reminds us
of our responsibility to achieve them and ensures we stay on course.
“There are only two options: Make progress or make excuses.” — Anonymous
As we approach the end of the first quarter of the year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your
progress report. How are you doing? Are you moving forward, or do you need to adjust your
course?
Keep moving forward and upward!
Jeff
