One of the most powerful lessons I learned during my incarceration was the importance of measuring progress. During the challenges of confinement, I discovered a game-changing truth—progress, however small, is a fuel for transformation.
Progress doesn’t always come in leaps and bounds. It feels more like a series of small steps. When I began measuring even the tiniest achievements—be it finishing a chapter of a book, practicing a new skill, or completing a workout—I unlocked a sense of accomplishment that propelled me forward toward bigger goals. Those incremental victories built momentum, and with that momentum came more opportunities.
This principle of tracking and celebrating progress applies to all areas of life, wherever hard work and determination are needed.
Small Wins
Darren Hardy’s The Compound Effect emphasizes that small, consistent actions lead to massive results over time. He writes, “Small, Smart Choices + Consistency + Time = RADICAL DIFFERENCE.” This was one of the most life-changing concepts I encountered. Before—all at once—I’d often focused on massive, seemingly unattainable goals, becoming discouraged or burned out. But through Hardy’s advice, I learned there was strength in simplicity. Accomplishing one small goal opened the door for the next.
For example, while inside, I set many goals. At the start of each year, for example, I’d set a goal on the quantity of books I would read, or the number of manuscripts I would write. That commitment broadened my understanding of leadership, philosophy, and resilience.
Whether you’re working toward a promotion, improving your fitness, or starting your own business, the principle remains the same—small, measurable successes compound over time. Success requires persistence.
Many exceptional leaders in business and personal growth know the value of measuring progress. One of my favorite quotes comes from Peter Drucker, often considered the father of modern management. He said, “What gets measured gets managed.” This quote underscores the idea that without clear benchmarks, it’s impossible to evaluate how far you’ve come—or how much further you need to go. Measuring progress provides clarity and focus, ensuring that every effort aligns with the broader goal.
Measuring progress is one of the most effective systems you can introduce into your life or work. It provides a clear framework for accountability, ensuring consistent action.
Here’s how you can begin implementing meaningful tracking in any area of your life:
1. Define Clear Goals
Without a clear destination, progress can feel aimless. Are you trying to lose 10 pounds, finish a book, or increase sales for your business? Make your target specific and measurable.
2. Break It Down
Big goals can feel intimidating, which is why breaking them into smaller milestones (or micro-goals) works so effectively. For example, instead of saying, “I want to write a book,” say, “I want to write 2,000 words a day.” Each completed milestone builds confidence and keeps you aligned with your bigger vision.
3. Track Consistently
Keep a journal, spreadsheet, or app that tracks every step you take toward your goal. When I was incarcerated, I used pen and paper and physically marked off my progress. Seeing that visual reminder of growth gave me the motivation to keep going.
4. Celebrate the Wins
Celebrate small victories—a finished project, a completed workout session, or maybe even just a problem solved. These little celebrations reinforce progress and keep you motivated for the long haul.
5. Learn from Setbacks
Measuring progress also means recognizing and learning from roadblocks. Don’t fear failure. As John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach, once said, “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.” Setbacks are opportunities for recalibration. Measuring progress ensures you know where things went astray and how to pivot for better results.
Progress Creates Opportunity
Reflecting on the many opportunities I encountered—mentorship, post-incarceration work, and reconnecting with a greater community—all stemmed from the small steps I measured during my lowest points. Each minor victory became a rung on the ladder to greater possibilities.
When you measure progress, you gain clarity. It brings purpose to each action you take and keeps you mindful of your growth. Remember, success isn’t an overnight phenomenon—it’s the result of showing up consistently, tracking your steps, and taking calculated strides toward something meaningful.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to begin, start by measuring just one tiny step. Just as a slow drip eventually fills a bucket, one small action sets the foundation for extraordinary change.
Self-Directed Learning Question:
- In what ways are you measuring or tracking the small steps you’re taking today?
