Adam Grant challenges a world fixated on winning and end results.
He encourages us to adopt a more compassionate and empowering way to measure success: the distance traveled mindset.
Instead of fixating on the peaks we aspire to reach or comparing ourselves to others who have scaled higher, this perspective asks us to reflect on how far we’ve come from where we started.
The Shift in Perspective
Too often, people measure success against external benchmarks—titles, grades, salaries, or trophies.
The problem with this approach is that it overlooks personal growth and the unique challenges individuals face along the way.
For example:
- A student who improves from failing grades to passing may have achieved more growth than a top student maintaining straight A’s.
- A runner who completes a 5K after struggling with fitness for years has traveled a greater personal distance than an experienced athlete shaving seconds off their marathon time.
Grant suggests we reframe success by asking, “How far have I come compared to where I started?”
This not only acknowledges progress but also fosters self-compassion and motivation for continued growth.
Why the Distance Traveled Mindset Matters
1. Encourages Self-Reflection
Looking back at where you began highlights the progress you’ve made, even if the ultimate goal feels far away.
This fosters gratitude and a sense of accomplishment, boosting confidence for future endeavors.
2. Fuels Long-Term Motivation
Instead of being discouraged by slow progress or unmet goals, the distance traveled mindset reinforces that growth is ongoing.
It reminds us that every small step is part of a larger journey.
3. Counters Perfectionism
Perfectionism often traps us in a cycle of focusing on flaws and failures.
Shifting to a progress-based view breaks this cycle by emphasizing the strides made rather than the gaps remaining.
4. Builds Resilience
Recalling past progress can provide strength during tough times.
It’s easier to face future challenges when you see how much you’ve already overcome.
Real-World Applications
1. Personal Growth and Career Development
Imagine someone who started as an entry-level employee in a company, working their way up to a managerial role.
While they might feel discouraged for not yet reaching the executive suite, reflecting on their journey—from learning basic skills to leading a team—can provide pride and renewed ambition.
2. Fitness and Health
A person embarking on a fitness journey might initially struggle to run a mile.
A year later, they may still be far from their marathon goal, but celebrating their ability to now run five miles demonstrates the significant progress they’ve made.
3. Parenting and Education
For parents or educators, teaching children to focus on their progress rather than perfection fosters a growth mindset.
A child might not yet ace every test, but improvement in effort, understanding, and grades is something worth celebrating.
Practical Exercises to Embrace This Mindset
1. Reflect on Your Past Self
Ask yourself: If the version of me from five years ago saw where I am today, what would they think?
This exercise helps ground you in gratitude and recognize achievements you might otherwise dismiss.
2. Celebrate Small Wins
Document milestones, no matter how minor.
Completing a project, hitting a fitness goal, or even overcoming a bad habit deserves acknowledgment.
3. Set “Distance-Based” Goals
Instead of setting absolute goals like “I want to lose 30 pounds,” focus on incremental ones: “I want to improve my diet and exercise habits over the next six months.”
This emphasizes progress over perfection.
A Powerful Takeaway
The distance traveled mindset teaches us that success is not about how high you climb compared to others but how far you’ve come compared to your own starting point.
It’s a practice of celebrating growth over perfection, persistence over innate talent, and the unique journey over rigid benchmarks.
As Grant says, “If me five years ago knew what I would accomplish now, how proud would I have been?”
That question reframes how we see ourselves—not as failures falling short of a goal but as persistent individuals capable of meaningful growth.
This post was inspired by Adam Grant's interview with CBS, Unlocking Your Hidden Potential.
