Tracking Progress, Being an Amateur, and the Power of Proof

Tracking Progress

A Thought

"You cannot account for what you cannot see."

Tracking progress is important because it helps align us with reality. The reality of our good habits or the reality that something needs to change.

A Truth

Without solid proof, we can fool ourselves that we are doing a better job than we think. The opposite is also true -- without solid proof, we can fool ourselves that we are doing a worse job than we think.

Tracking progress is vital because it helps us become aware enough to make a lasting change.

An Application

How can I track the progress I am making?

Being an Amateur

A Thought

To become a professional, you must first embrace being an amateur, a beginner, starting from zero.

If you cannot tolerate being bad at something, you will not stick around long enough to get good at it.

A Truth

Professionals were once amateurs who accepted that it takes persistent effort and time to achieve anything great.

Professionals accept that messy work beats no work. Professionals accept that one step beats no steps.

"Some beats none." - Jon Acuff

You cannot improve what you have not worked on.

"Slow motion beats no motion."

An Application

What is my view towards "being an amateur"?

How does view affect me? What can I do to change this perspective for the better?

The Power of Proof

The actions we take provide proof of who we think we are and what we think we can do.

A Thought

By showing up, you prove to yourself that you are the type of person that shows up. Inversely, by not showing up, you prove to yourself that you are the type of person who does not show up.

In what situation is this applicable to you? By doing ("X"), I am proving to myself that I am ("Y")

A Truth

The beauty of proof is that you can create it at any time.

By winning the small battles over time, you create evidence that you can make the right choice in order to win.

The small things really do matter because they are the compounding proof of what you think you can or cannot do.

The small things really do matter because they are the compounding proof of who you think you are.

An Application

What kind of proof have I been providing myself?

What action can I take right now to provide myself with positive proof?