Where Are You Measuring Progress From?

Written By Anthony Lambatos

I love my Peloton bike and usually ride 3-4 times per week.  I’m closing in on 1,500 rides and although I am in decent shape, my last pr (personal record) was in 2021.  The other day I found myself feeling defeated at how far away I was from those top outputs that I reached five years ago.  On the flip side, we got a Peloton rower over the holidays and I’ve been enjoying mixing that into my weekly bike and strength workouts.  I found myself gravitating toward that because I keep improving and setting new pr’s each week!

It got me thinking about where we measure our progress from. It’s easy to look back at our personal bests or compare ourselves to where others are and feel like we’re falling short. Those benchmarks can be helpful, but when they become the primary reference point, they can also be discouraging. Growth doesn’t always look like breaking old records. Sometimes it looks like rebuilding, adapting, or simply staying consistent in a new season.

Enjoying a Peloton workout with Adelynn & Ajay

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The same thing shows up in leadership. We compare ourselves to earlier versions of ourselves, to past wins, or to other leaders who seem to have it all figured out. We forget to account for context, capacity, and change. Measuring progress from the wrong starting point can make it feel like we’re standing still, even when we’re actually moving forward.

Real progress happens when we measure growth from where we are today. When we ask, “Am I better than I was yesterday or last week?” or “What’s one small improvement I can make right now?” That mindset keeps us engaged instead of defeated. It allows us to build momentum again, even if it looks different than it once did.

So this week, whether it’s fitness, leadership, or life, take a moment to check your measuring stick. Are you comparing yourself to a past season or someone else’s highlight reel? Or are you giving yourself credit for the progress you’re making right now?

Growth compounds over time, but setbacks are part of the journey. Just remember progress still counts, even when it looks different than it used to.

Keep MIBE-ing!
Anthony Lambatos
Founder, MIBE Hospitality Leadership Development
Owner, Footers Catering

P.S. Want to start with a new leadership benchmark? Sign up to join MIBE Monthly Leadership Training!

Anthony Lambatos

The Coach — This guy is easily the best-dressed due at the office. Anthony is also the only gentleman who wears a suit in the office, so it comes as no surprise. In addition to dressing well, he’s a master of organizational management. And Excel spreadsheets. If there’s anyone who can get you excited about pivot tables, it’s him! Although he studied business and marketing at the University of Oregon, Anthony received his Ph.D. in running a company at the School of Hard Knocks. As early as he can remember, Anthony was involved in the family business. And now, after years of experience in the good, the bad, and the ugly, he knows how to handle any situation. His leadership, patience, and desire to make those around him better is why we call him The Coach.

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