Progress Isn’t Always A Straight Line

I was playing disc golf with my son this week, and we talked again about how each round isn’t about being perfect, it’s about trying to do a little better than the last time. But sometimes we won’t do better. Sometimes we’ll do worse. And that’s okay. Growth shifts back and forth. The key is that with continued effort and practice, a year from now we’ll look back and see how far we’ve come.

Progress, whether in disc golf, dance, personal growth, or healing, isn’t linear. It moves in waves, spirals, and sometimes circles, but every step still moves you forward.

Last week, while traveling, I had some downtime on the plane and decided to clean up photos and notes on my phone, five years’ worth, yikes!. It turned into such a meaningful reflection.

I revisited old pictures of my kids when they were little, screenshots of stories and inspirational quotes that still resonate, and journal entries filled with dreams, goals, and random thoughts. Reading through those old notes reminded me how much I’ve grown and highlighted lessons that still hold true today.

Some journal entries were repetitive, similar themes I’m still working through, just from a new perspective. Others showed challenges I’ve completely moved past. Either way, it was a beautiful reminder that growth takes time, and that even small steps add up over the years.

Reflection: What’s a challenge you’ve overcome that felt impossible at the time but shaped who you are today?

Action Step: Take 10–15 minutes this week to look back through old photos, notes, or journal entries. Notice patterns of growth, lessons learned, and challenges you’ve overcome. Then, jot down one small win or insight that reminds you how far you’ve come, even if progress hasn’t been a straight line.