Sometimes Progress Isn’t About Speed It’s About Direction

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to think success is all about moving fast.

 

We see stories of people making it big overnight, and we start to believe that if we’re not moving quickly, we’re falling behind.

 

But that’s not true.

 

I’ve learned that progress isn’t about how fast you move. It’s about moving in the right direction. Even small steps can lead to big results if you stay focused and consistent.

 

My Journey to Understanding Progress

When I first started in aerial videography, I wanted to be great right away. I thought learning all the techniques and getting the best shots had to happen quickly. But I soon realised that rushing didn’t help me grow.

 

It was the small, steady steps I took every day that made me better.

 

Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with amazing platforms like NetflixAppleTV+Disney+, and Paramount+. But that didn’t happen overnight.

 

It took years of learning, practising, and improving my craft. Every flight, every shot, and every edit taught me something new. That’s how real progress happens.

 

Why Speed Doesn’t Equal Success

Moving fast can feel exciting, but it doesn’t always lead to success. If you’re moving quickly in the wrong direction, you’ll end up far from where you want to be. Success comes from knowing where you’re going and taking steady steps to get there.

 

Think about it like flying a drone. If I rush a flight, I might miss the perfect angle or make mistakes. But if I slow down, plan my shots, and stay focused, I can capture something truly remarkable. The same is true for any goal in life.

 

Small Steps Make a Big Difference

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that small, consistent steps are more powerful than trying to do everything at once.

 

In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear talks about how making tiny improvements every day can lead to huge success over time. Getting 1% better each day might not seem like much, but it adds up.

 

When I started, I didn’t know everything about aerial photography. But every project taught me something new. Every challenge made me stronger. Bit by bit, I got better. And that steady progress led me to where I am today.

 

Checking Your Direction Matters

It’s easy to get caught up in trying to move fast. But sometimes, you need to stop and ask yourself:

 

  • Am I moving in the right direction?
  • Do my actions match my goals?

 

If the answer is no, it’s okay to change course. Adjusting your path is better than racing ahead without thinking. I’ve had moments where I needed to slow down and rethink my goals. Taking time to reflect helped me realign and move forward with more purpose.

 

Enjoying the Journey

Success isn’t a straight road. It’s full of twists, turns, and even setbacks. But every part of the journey matters.

 

Some of my best work came from projects that took time to develop.

 

Rushing would have ruined them. Creativity needs time to grow. Patience is a big part of success.

 

Every challenge I faced taught me something valuable. And every quiet moment gave me space to think and improve. That’s all part of making progress.

 

Stories of Slow but Steady Success

Many successful people didn’t rush to the top. They took steady steps toward their goals.

  • J.K. Rowling faced many rejections before Harry Potter was published. It took years of writing and improving.
  • Steve Jobs didn’t build Apple overnight. It took years of trial and error.
  • My own career in aerial videography grew slowly over nine years. Every small step brought me closer to working with major brands.

These stories prove that slow, steady progress can lead to great success.

 

Let Go of the Pressure to Hurry

It’s easy to feel like you need to rush. Social media shows us people succeeding, and it’s tempting to compare ourselves. But what we see is only the result, not the hard work behind it.

 

Here’s how I stay focused:

  1. Set Clear Goals: I remind myself why I’m doing this work.
  2. Celebrate Small Wins: Every project finished, every skill learned, is a win.
  3. Be Patient: I know success takes time.
  4. Stay Consistent: I work at my craft every day.
  5. Reflect and Adjust: I pause to make sure I’m on the right path.

Keep Moving Forward

Even if you’re only taking small steps, you’re still moving forward. That’s what counts.

 

When I fly a drone, I don’t rush. I take my time to find the best angle, the right light, and the perfect shot. That same patience applies to reaching any goal.

 

One step at a time might feel slow, but it gets you where you want to go.

Progress isn’t about speed. It’s about direction. Moving fast doesn’t help if you’re going the wrong way. But steady, purposeful steps lead to lasting success.

 

Take a moment today to think about where you’re headed. Are you moving in the right direction? If not, adjust your path. And if you are, keep going—step by step.

 

What small step can you take today to move closer to your goals?

 

More photos and videos?

Did you like the photos and videos I shared here? Check out my complete portfolio at Sky Perth to see more of my work. You’ll find a diverse collection of visual stories that reflect my passion and dedication. Let’s explore this journey together!

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