Progress: a word packed with expectation, often tied to productivity, growth, and visible achievement. But what if moving forward isn’t always about pushing ahead? What if progress sometimes means stepping back, letting go, or even changing your mind entirely? For creatives and career changers, rethinking progress can be one of the most empowering shifts we make.

Moving Forward Isn’t Always Linear

We often assume that progress follows a straight path—a series of upward steps leading to success. But for those navigating creative careers or major career transitions, progress can look very different. It can be slow, circular, or even feel like a pause. Taking a step back to reflect isn’t stagnation; it’s making space for clarity. When we allow ourselves to pause, we process experiences more deeply and make more intentional choices.

Leaving Behind What No Longer Serves You

Moving forward sometimes means letting go. This could be outdated career beliefs, self-doubt, or creative blocks that keep you stuck. It might mean walking away from a dream that was never truly yours or a job or relationship that no longer aligns with who you are becoming. Letting go is not failure; it’s making room for what truly matters.

Think about a time when you held onto something—a belief, a project, or a role—longer than you should have. What happened when you finally released it? Chances are, you felt relief, even if the decision was difficult. Moving forward means carrying less of what holds you back. This is also backed by science; psychological studies have shown that individuals who engage in cognitive reappraisal, a process of reframing thoughts, experience lower stress levels and greater emotional resilience (Gross, 2002).

Shifting Perspectives & Finding Your Own Path

Everyone seems to have expectations of us—what we should achieve, what career success should look like, how our personal lives should unfold, and the steps we must take to get there. We often try to meet these expectations without questioning them, hoping that one day we’ll feel happy, at peace, and finally safe. The challenge is that this fleeting sense of fulfillment never fully settles in. Progress isn’t about meeting external expectations; it’s about aligning with what truly matters to you.

For creative professionals, this might mean redefining success beyond industry standards or traditional career paths. For those making a career change, it could involve prioritizing purpose and satisfaction over status or security. Shifting your perspective helps you see opportunities that were once hidden by assumptions or self-doubt. Neuroscientific research shows that challenging our thought patterns activates the brain’s neuroplasticity, which allows us to create new ways of thinking and behaving (Doidge, 2007).

The Power of Changing Your Mind

One of the most courageous acts of growth is admitting when we’ve changed our minds. I’ve often heard the criticism: “Last year, you said this, and now you’ve changed your mind.” So what? We tend to believe that once we’ve settled on a decision or opinion, we should never change it. Some even see changing our minds as a sign of weakness. But that perspective misses an important truth: evolving perspectives show strength and adaptability.

Changing your mind doesn’t mean you were wrong before; it means you’re growing. It’s a sign of maturity and emotional stability to recognize that, based on new experiences and insights, you now see things differently. And that’s okay.

Think about an artist who tries a new medium after years of working in one style, or an entrepreneur who shifts business direction after realizing their initial plan didn’t align with their values. These are not failures; they are proof of creative evolution, experimentation, and expanded perspectives.

Moving Forward in Your Own Way

There is no universal definition of progress. For some, it’s launching a new creative project or making a bold career move. For others, it’s taking a much-needed break to restore energy and inspiration. Progress is deeply personal, and success is measured by alignment with your own values and well-being.

So, take a moment to ask yourself: What does moving forward mean to me right now? It might not be what you initially thought, and that’s okay. Progress is about movement in the right direction—not the fastest or most impressive path, but the one that feels right for you.

Key Takeaways on Moving Forward:

– Progress is not linear – it can mean stepping back, reflecting, or shifting directions.

– Letting go of outdated beliefs and creative blocks makes space for growth.

– Shifting perspectives helps align your work with what truly matters.

– Changing your mind is a sign of adaptability and growth.

– Progress looks different for everyone – define what it means for you.

Rethink what progress means, and you might just find yourself moving forward in the most authentic and fulfilling way possible.