Don’t Just Get Ahead. Get Forward.
- suneel172
- Jul 23
- 2 min read
In a world of constant motion and comparison, one phrase echoes through our ambitions:
“I just want to get ahead.”
Ahead of the competition.Ahead of deadlines.Ahead of where we were last year.Sometimes, even ahead of ourselves.
But what does getting ahead really mean?
More importantly — is it even in our control?
The Problem with “Getting Ahead”
Getting ahead is a relative race.It’s measured by someone else’s pace, someone else’s performance, someone else’s perception.
You might work hard, only to find someone’s still ahead.
You might win today, only to fall behind tomorrow.
And you might exhaust yourself chasing a moving finish line.
“Getting ahead compares. Getting forward improves.”
The Power of “Getting Forward”
Getting forward is a personal journey.It’s measured by growth, not comparison.By how much better, sharper, clearer, or more confident you are than yesterday.
It values consistency over competition
It rewards depth, not just speed
It stays in your control — even when the world isn’t
“You can’t always get ahead. But you can always move forward.”
A Simple Shift That Changes Everything
Getting Ahead | Getting Forward |
Focus: Others | Focus: Yourself |
Driven by: Pressure | Driven by: Purpose |
Outcome: Comparison | Outcome: Progress |
Emotion: Stress/Anxiety | Emotion: Motivation/Clarity |
Measurement: Win or lose | Measurement: Grow or learn |
“The race worth running is the one where the finish line is your own growth.”
Real Progress Is Personal
Did you speak better than last week?
Did you manage your emotions better than last time?
Did you learn something new?
Did you show up when you wanted to back down?
That’s not getting ahead.That’s getting forward.And that’s what leads to sustainable success.
“Some people get ahead quickly. Others move forward steadily. Guess who lasts longer?”
Final Thought
It’s okay to want to achieve more. To win. To lead.
But when that desire makes you chase shadows, stop.Turn inward.
Ask yourself: Am I growing, or just running?
Because when you focus on getting forward,you’ll eventually get ahead — and stay there, for the right reasons.
“Getting ahead is temporary. Getting forward is transformative.”
Comments