Rethinking Progress in a Hustle-Focused World

We live in a culture that glorifies hustle—the never-ending push to do more, be more, achieve more. It’s loud, relentless, and often leaves us feeling like we’re always behind. Like somehow, everyone else is moving faster, climbing higher, and getting there sooner.

But what if that story isn’t true?

What if you’re not behind?

The Trap of Comparison

It’s easy to scroll through social media or glance around your community and feel like you should be further along. Maybe someone else has a more impressive job, a cleaner home, or a more “put together” life. Comparison whispers lies: “You’re late.” “You’re not enough.” “You’ve wasted time.”

When we compare our whole story to just the highlights of others, it’s a recipe for discouragement. We forget that every person’s journey has hidden valleys—the times of struggle, uncertainty, and quiet growth that don’t make the spotlight.

And when the world around us screams that success is rare and failure is common, it’s easy to get stuck in a loop of doubt. You start to wonder: “Am I too late? Am I not enough? Should I even keep trying?”

Taking a Step Back from the Noise

In this environment, the most radical and healing choice might be to step back—from social media, from news cycles, from the relentless pressure to keep up.

Pause. Breathe. Look inward.

When you do, you begin to see your progress—not by comparing to others, but by recognizing how you’ve grown through your own challenges, fears, and everyday choices.

Take Time to Reflect on Your Own Journey

Instead of measuring yourself against someone else’s highlight reel, try reflecting on your own story.

What have you overcome that others don’t see?
What small victories have you celebrated quietly?
How have you learned to persevere, even when hope felt distant?

These are the real markers of progress.

Remember, growth isn’t a race or a public performance. It’s a slow unfolding, a series of small steps taken in faith, patience, and self-compassion.

Progress is about showing up for yourself consistently, even when it feels invisible or imperfect.

Today, release the lie that you’re late or less than. You are exactly where you need to be—living a story that includes struggles and strength, setbacks and breakthroughs.

The process isn’t a detour. It’s the whole point.

Keep it simple,

-Ashley 💛