You’re Closer Than You Think—If You’re Moving

There’s a strange thing that happens when you’re building something slowly.

You start to wonder if it’s working at all.

You’ve been posting your work.
Sending pitches.
Learning the tools.
Showing up more consistently than you used to.

But the results aren’t pouring in yet.
The dream clients haven’t replied.
The momentum feels… fragile.

And then the voice creeps in:

“What’s the point?”

That’s the moment when many creatives quit—not because they aren’t talented, or hard-working, or capable—but because they don’t feel close to anything that looks like success.

But here’s something most people don’t realise:
You’re usually a lot closer than it feels—if you’re still moving.

Motion > Perfection

You might not be where you want yet.
But if you’re putting work out, you’re on the path.

That’s a radically underrated position to be in.

You don’t have to be an expert. You don’t need a giant following or a full client list or a spotless portfolio.

You just need to be in motion.

Because motion does two powerful things:

1. It creates opportunities.
2. It creates proof.

Every time you share a project, reach out, or explore something new, you’re planting seeds. And just like in nature, growth happens invisibly at first—underground, quiet, unglamorous.

People don’t respond. Likes are low. Emails go unanswered. It feels like nothing is happening.

But something is. You just can’t see it yet.

Then, one day, someone replies to a message you sent three months ago.
A connection you forgot about refers a client your way.
A follower who’s been quietly watching reaches out.

Suddenly, things look like they’re happening “all at once”.

But really, they were always happening—you just stayed moving long enough to find out.

The Danger of Stillness

If you’re not moving, the gap between you and where you want to be stays the same. Or worse, it gets bigger.

The longer you wait for perfect conditions, the more distance you put between your current self and your future one.

And the worst part? Stillness erodes self-trust.

You start doubting your instincts. You question your ideas before they’ve had a chance to grow. You wait for a sign. And because you’re not getting any feedback (because you’re not putting anything out), you take that silence as proof you’re not ready.

But silence doesn’t mean you’re off track.
Silence often just means it’s still early.

If you’re moving—even a little—you’re changing the equation. You’re collecting insight. You’re building internal proof.

That’s how progress feels before it looks like anything.

How to Know You’re Moving in the Right Direction

It’s easy to confuse busywork with real progress. So here’s a quick check:

• Are you sharing more often than you’re consuming?
• Are you creating more work than you’re critiquing?
• Are you reaching out more than you’re hesitating?
• Are you learning and applying—not just collecting info?

If the answer to any of those is yes, you’re moving.

And if you’re moving, you’re not stuck. Even if it feels slow.

The Finish Line Is Closer Than It Feels

We tend to imagine success as this big, dramatic event:
A dream client. A viral project. A six-figure year.

But the reality?
Most wins don’t look like wins at first.

They look like:

• One person replying “Yes” to a pitch.
• One small project that opens a new door.
• One comment that leads to a real conversation.
• One design that leads to five more.

You don’t need to leap forward today. You just need to avoid standing still.

Because when you’re in motion, something else kicks in—momentum.
And momentum, not magic, is what most people are missing.

Final Thought

If you’re building something—whether it’s a portfolio, a creative business, or simply your confidence—you will have days where it feels like you’re miles away.

But you’re not.
You’re just upstream from the visible part of the breakthrough.
And every small effort is carrying you closer.

So keep going.
Keep sharing.
Keep moving.

Because you’re closer than you think—if you’re moving.

And if you need a nudge?
Send that pitch. Post that draft. Share that idea—even if it feels small.

Thanks for reading. Until next time—keep moving forward.
You’re closer than you think.
—Gary