Often times we fall into a false sense of security, feeling certain that our actions are leading to our proposed outcome. We work our day away to push our line into the green rather than the red, to heal our patients, to build our structures, etc. We feel as though this movement is progress, we are progressing on something we have deemed important to finding success and satisfaction.
But are we progressing, or simply moving?
First, I’d like to set the precedent as to the meaning behind movement and progress in the simplest way I know possible:
Movement – an act of changing physical location or position or of having this changed; a change or development
Progress – forward or onward movement toward a destination; advance or development toward a better, more complete, or more modern condition
So, let’s first discuss the similarities. Both can be related to a development of some sort, and both are some type of change. The differences are what we are more interested in. If you notice, progress actually includes movement in its own definition, meaning it is encompassing movement. Secondly, progress literally says it is forward or onward – movement simple states a change in position. Lastly, and most importantly, progress leads toward a “better, more complete” condition. Movement can literally be a change without any forward motion, whereas the definition of progress literally states that it has forward and positive movement.
We all have movement days. We all have days where we wake up and simply want to make it through the day and existence, or to “go through the movements.” THAT IS FINE. You are allowed to have these days, and you’re allowed to have them often. The bigger picture is that if we have a “going through the movements” day, it must culminate in a “forward progress life.” We are a summation of our smaller pieces, our entity and life being the complete puzzle. We have to find a way to progress and not just move.
If that means obtaining a new certification or degree, applying for a position you might not feel you’re qualified for, asking for that raise you know you deserve, or simply stepping out of an airplane with a parachute strapped to your back to conquer your fears – we must find ways to progress.
Our life needs to be a stream forcing its way through rock, progressing deeper and deeper until it is the defining feature between the supposedly impenetrable walls of earth. Think about it – the Grand Canyon is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. Without the driving force of water progressing deeper and deeper into that red rock, there would be 6 Natural Wonders. The progress (and subsequent movement) of the water created one of the most beautiful things on this planet.
Now it’s your turn to be that stream.
Deconstructed Echos 