Seung Chan Lim

Illusion of Progress

We tend to associate
progress
with forward movement.

But forward movement
is not necessarily
progress
if in the wrong direction

In fact,
it may be
the opposite
of progress.

May we check
our direction
before assuming
progress.

When someone says
the same thing
over
and over
and over again.

There lies an opportunity
to explore the depth
and nuance
of the supposed
“same thing”
with the realization
of empathy.

“That’s not
something I can do…”
may simply be
an incomplete sentence,
implying the ending
“…without support.”

“This
will be
your second exit.”
I remarked.

“What will you do
next?” I asked.

“Now
I want to live
my own life.” answered
the founder.

“Whose life
have you been living?”
I asked.

“The investors’.”
he answered
without hesitation.

“What has been
one of the biggest
lessons you’ve learned
this year
as a coach?” he asked.

“That it’s ok
to cry
with clients.”
I replied.

At first,
I assumed people hurt others
with malicious intent.

Then I learned,
most people are hurt
by people
with good intentions.

People
who cared
and had compassion
for them.

People
close to them.

People
who told them
“This
is for your own
good.”