Are You Missing Your Own Progress? Here’s Why You Might Be Closer Than You Think!

3-min read

Progress in sport—and in life—is often elusive. We train hard, push our limits, and constantly set new goals, yet sometimes it feels like we’re standing still. Why? Because as we improve, we instinctively raise the bar, making it difficult to recognise just how far we’ve come.

The Moving Goalposts of Progress

Athletes are naturally ambitious. They achieve one goal and immediately set another, never pausing to appreciate the progress they’ve made. While this mindset fuels growth, it can also create frustration. If you only measure success by what’s ahead, you’ll always feel like you’re falling short.

Instead, take moments to look back. Reflect on where you started a year ago, six months ago, or even last week. That interval session that used to leave you gasping? Now you finish it strong. The technical climb that felt impossible? You now ride it with confidence. Progress is there—you just need to recognise it.

Measuring Success Beyond the Numbers

Athletes often focus on hard metrics—watts, lap times, podiums—but progress isn’t always about numbers. Improvements in execution, consistency, and resilience matter just as much. Are you recovering faster between efforts? Handling setbacks with a better mindset? Riding more efficiently? These are all signs of growth that don’t always show up in your training data.

Training isn’t just about hitting new PBs. It’s about becoming a better, more durable, more confident athlete. Acknowledge the intangible improvements—they count too.

The Balance Between Ambition and Reflection

Setting ambitious goals is essential for improvement, but it’s just as important to recognise the gains you’ve already made. Constantly chasing the next benchmark without appreciating past successes can lead to burnout or a sense of never being ‘good enough.’

Make space for both ambition and reflection. Celebrate small wins along the way. Whether it’s finishing a tough session, improving race craft, or simply feeling stronger on the bike, these are all indicators of progress worth recognising.

Practical Ways to Track Progress

If you struggle to see your own improvement, here are some practical strategies:

• Keep a training log – Write down key sessions and how they felt. Over time, you’ll see the patterns of progress.
• Use video analysis – Compare past and present footage of your technical skills or race performance.
• Reflect regularly – Schedule a monthly review of your training and mindset. What’s getting easier? What’s changed?
• Ask your coach or peers – Sometimes, others notice your progress before you do. If you’re looking for expert guidance to track and accelerate your progress, I can help. Whether it’s refining your training, improving your race craft, or gaining confidence on the bike, let’s work together to push your performance to the next level. Get in touch today!

Keep Raising the Bar, But Don’t Forget to Look Back

Raising the bar is what keeps us improving, but recognising progress is what keeps us motivated. Take a moment to look back and appreciate how far you’ve come. You might just realise you’re stronger, faster, and more capable than you ever thought possible.