progress
Progress is not made when one completes a task, accomplishes a goal, finishes a race, or breaks a record.
Those are just checkpoints.
Progress is made during the time up to, and if one chooses to continue, after, those points. It’s made in the dark, with no recognition.
It’s the workouts alone in the garage.
It’s the bug fix at midnight on Wednesday.
It’s the research before a customer executive meeting.
It’s the quiet dedication to a good diet.
It’s the discipline to get enough sleep.
It’s the mental rededication that has to take place after a setback or tough period.
It’s the drive for continuing education in your craft.
It’s the will to keep going.
No one will throw you a party for any of those.
Your only reward is the progress you feel and see while stacking those bricks.
And you know what, that is one hell of a reward.