Progress

A Journey Without Destination

Progress is neither a goal to achieve nor a final destination to reach. It is a living process and, as such, it is messy, non-linear, and constantly evolving. It cannot be standardized because it is unique to each of us. What may seem like a failure to one person can be a fundamental step forward for another.

Often, progress is seen as a path to follow (often with great effort) to attain a certain status or to reach a specific milestone; and, once you get there, you just stop. This view of progress is an illusion, for two reasons:

·       True progress does not follow a predefined path: it cannot be planned because it leads us to unexpected places. The only way to discover where it will take us is to take another step, then another, and another again.

·       Progress has no end: there is no limit to improvement. No matter how many steps we take or goals we achieve, there will always be a new horizon ahead. The real choice is not about whether to reach the end or not but whether to keep moving forward or stop.

Progress cannot be forced upon anyone - it is a conscious choice. A choice to embark on an uncertain journey, staying open and curious, ready to learn and evolve. The alternative? Remaining still, shutting down discovery, and giving up growth. And in the end, isn’t that the same as ceasing to truly live?

But let’s be clear: progress doesn’t mean accomplishing extraordinary feats. You don’t need to go to the Moon or change the course of history. Progress lies in the simplest actions - trying to drink coffee with your non-dominant hand, putting on your socks in a different position in the morning, discovering new and more functional ways to move your body (and your thoughts!).

Each day, we have the choice to live with presence and awareness. And in that choice, moment by moment, true progress unfolds.