The Right Way to Measure Progress
Progress and growth (in youth sports or in life) is highly dependent on variables. We grow and develop at a different paces. So knowing how and what to measure matters.
The next time you try and measure your progress using someone else’s ruler, DON’T. We each progress at different rates, just keep working to be better than you were yesterday. #DailyMight
Being a banker in a family of construction contractors has posed many humorous moments in my life (as you can imagine). I’ve never claimed that I am an expert tape measure reader and my brother made sure of that fact one time when we were working on a project together. I learned that day that “ticky marks” are not the official name of the unit of measurement on a tape measure. But you know what, it got the job done. Although we called it different things the outcome was still the same. The unit of measurement was transferred, and the board was cut to the correct length. Although measurements look different, they are still measurements.
Progress and growth (in youth sports or in life) is highly dependent on variables. Size, strength, tallness, weight, learning capacity – all play a part in the development of an athlete. And that doesn’t even take into consideration the teaching style of the coaches, the home life, how long they have been playing, and the other hobbies of the athlete. Because of these things, each athlete grows and develops at a different pace. The measurement of progress and growth on a daily, monthly, or throughout the season can look drastically different for each athlete. Especially over multiple seasons.
Therefore, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing your labor is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Celebrating progress in each athlete is knowing who, and what to measure too. None of us have the same development path, and knowing that information brings strength. We each progress at different rates, and the best way to celebrate growth is by the day before. Small individual incremental and consistent improvement from your day before allows you to build and compound your growth. So the next time you compare your progress with somebody else, don’t. Your “ticky marks” look much different than your teammate’s. Both units of measurements can and should be celebrated. And as long as yours looks better than yesterday, you’re on the right path.
Give everything your everything. And then some.
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