When we set out to improve ourselves or an aspect of our lives, it can often seem like a frustrating slog. We all experience set backs, failures and stagnation. When we feel we aren't making 'enough' progress, in whatever discipline or area of life we are focusing on, it's often because we have made expectations about reaching a certain milestone by a certain time-frame. This can be good for motivation but can be disheartening if we fail to reach these larger milestones.
One thing we can do is to narrow our attention in making small, achievable and incremental improvements periodically as opposed to large improvements over a longer span of time. This give us a small dopamine push and activates our internal reward system giving a regular positive feedback loop. We make progress, feel good about it and then have the motivation to continue.
Consider a weightlifter who's goal is to increase the amount of weight they can lift over time. If they try and lift too much weight with very little training this will likely result in injury or a failed lift. Instead, adding a small, extra amount of weight during each session, or even incorporating a few more reps will ensure both longevity and improvements in strength.
Even if you are making improvements of 0.1%, its still an improvement. You are still moving in a positive direction towards a better situation and better version of yourself. So take your focus off the larger picture and concentrate on making those smaller, regular improvements. Before you know it these will likely add up to the larger improvements you may be looking for.
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