January 16, 2025

Small Steps, Big Joy: How Progress Fuels Happiness

In life and business, one truth remains constant: happiness is deeply tied to the progress we make. Over the years, I’ve realized that progress isn’t just about achieving monumental goals or reaching the finish line. It’s about the small, consistent steps that move us closer to our purpose. Without progress, we stagnate—and that stagnation often leads to frustration, dissatisfaction, and even unhappiness.

Progress, in its simplest form, is about forward motion. It’s not always flashy or groundbreaking, but it provides a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Whether it’s improving a skill, making a positive change in a relationship, or simply ticking off a task on a to-do list, progress lights the way forward.

Take the legend of Alexander the Great and the Gordian knot, for example. The intricate knot represented an insurmountable challenge. Many before him had tried to unravel it the traditional way and failed. Alexander approached it differently. Instead of following convention, he took his sword and cut the knot. His actions teach us that sometimes progress isn’t about brute strength or endless effort—it’s about creative solutions and bold action.

This lesson resonates in both personal and professional life. When we feel stuck, it’s often because we aren’t moving forward. But how do we measure progress, especially when it feels intangible? That’s where clarity and intentionality come into play. Setting benchmarks, tracking growth, and celebrating small wins can all help us recognize the progress we’re making.

5 Key Takeaways About Progress:

1. Progress Fuels Happiness
   True fulfillment comes not from reaching the goal but from knowing you’re moving closer to it. Small steps count as much as big ones.
2. Perspective Drives Progress
   Like Alexander the Great, look at challenges from new angles. Sometimes the solution is simpler than it seems.
3. Stagnation Leads to Dissatisfaction
   When we’re not growing, we’re standing still. Stagnation isn’t neutral; it leads to frustration and a sense of being stuck.
4. Measure Progress Across All Areas of Life
   Growth isn’t just about career success. Assess progress in relationships, health, personal development, and purpose.
5. Progress is About the Journey, Not the Destination
   Goals give direction, but the real joy is in the steps you take along the way. Every inch forward matters.

As I reflect on my life, I realize how often progress has fueled my own happiness. When I’ve been stuck—whether in business, relationships, or personal growth—it’s because I wasn’t moving forward. Even small, measurable steps toward a goal can reignite your energy and help you reconnect with your purpose

For instance, in business, we often use financial metrics like top-line and bottom-line growth to measure progress. While these are important, they don’t tell the whole story. True progress involves alignment with your core values, building meaningful relationships, and living a purpose-driven life.

I’ve seen this time and again in my coaching work. When clients make measurable progress—whether it’s a personal breakthrough, a new business milestone, or simply feeling more aligned with their goals—they light up. It’s not about achieving perfection but about knowing they’re on the right path.

Happiness, in my experience, isn’t a fleeting feeling or a far-off destination. It’s the experience of living in alignment with your purpose, fueled by the progress you’re making. If you feel stuck, take a moment to reflect: where are you making progress? Where can you take one small step forward? Sometimes the path isn’t about untying the knot—it’s about cutting it and moving on.