Progress You Don’t See (Yet): 10 Signs You’re Getting Closer
Ever feel like you’re doing all the right things? You’re writing blog posts, following the training, staying active here in the WA community, but still wondering, “Is this actually working?”
You’re not alone.
Most people at Wealthy Affiliate hit that stage at some point. Especially in the beginning, when the results haven’t shown up yet. No traffic, no sales, no obvious signs that it’s paying off.
But just because you can’t see progress doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.
Often, growth starts quietly. And you might be getting closer than you think.
Here are ten small signs you’re moving in the right direction, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.
1. You’ve stopped waiting for perfect and started publishing
Instead of obsessing over every detail, you’re putting your content out there. That’s how momentum builds.
2. You’re getting clearer on what your niche isn’t
Even if you haven’t nailed it yet, knowing what’s not a good fit is a step forward.
3. You’ve written something that felt good to finish
It doesn’t need to go viral. If you’re proud of it, that means your skills are growing.
4. You’re checking your stats less
You’re more focused on creating than constantly refreshing numbers. That’s a shift in mindset.
5. SEO is starting to click
Keywords, titles, internal links — even if it still feels new, it’s starting to make sense.
6. You solved a tech problem yourself
It might seem small, like fixing a layout or installing a plugin, but it matters. You figured it out.
7. You’ve helped someone else in the WA community
Even a short comment or bit of advice means you’re learning and giving back.
8. You’re thinking more about the future
You’ve moved from “How do I get a quick win?” to “Where do I want to be in a year?” That’s real growth.
9. You felt excited about a new idea
Whether it’s a blog topic, a product idea or a fresh approach, that spark is worth paying attention to.
10. You haven’t quit
You’re still here. Still trying. Still learning. That says more than you think.
Before You Go
If things feel slow right now, don’t worry. A lot of progress happens behind the scenes. You’re learning. You’re building. You’re doing the work, even if the results haven’t caught up yet.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep going.
Let me ask you something.
What’s one small sign of progress you’ve seen in yourself lately, even if no one else would notice it?
Feel free to share it in the comments. You never know who might need to hear it.

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Recent Comments
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Nicely said - I was wondering the same thing before reading your post. It's true, I've also noticed that content ideas are starting to jump out at me more and I'm fussing less over being perfect - just get info out.
Thanks so much, Andrew! I really appreciate you taking the time to read and share your thoughts. It’s such a great feeling when content ideas start flowing more naturally, isn’t it? And yes, letting go of perfection is a game-changer. The more we focus on just getting helpful info out there, the more we grow. Keep going, you’re clearly on the right path! 👍
Best wishes,
Maria
Hi Maria
AI was a real game changer for me...
Allowing me to speed up research and content writing
No turning back!
Thanks for sharing your insights 🎯
✨ Fleeky
You are so right, Fleeky! AI has been a game changer for many, including me! It saves time and it provides great insight to new ideas/topics to write about. So glad you saw value in my post and thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🚀
All the best,
Maria
Thanks for the reminder. Been off for a long while. It's good to be back and greeted with encouragement and support from the WA family. Appreciate it!
Hi Betty,
Aww... Thanks ever so much. I'm so pleased that you found it encouraging and supporting. I was also off for a while when I started WA back in 2014, only to make a comeback a few years ago. 👍
Best wishes,
Maria
I love this, It's such an accurate description of the emotions you can go through when you are doing WA, great post.
Thank you, Michelle. 😊
I appreciate your feedback and thanks for confirming your agreement with "the progress we don't normally get to see". 👍
Wishing you a lovely day,
Maria
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Hey Maria,
I haven't read your articles for decades... Thank you for sharing this motivational post!
What’s one small sign of progress you’ve seen in yourself lately, even if no one else would notice it? - I would say all of the 10 points you mentioned already happened in our lives and businesses, so progress is certainly something we have been experiencing all the time.
I have recently made a few small steps forward in our businesses, but it's like giant leaps in actual fact because it gives us a massive advantage in business.
Hi Hein,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m really touched that you took the time to read and comment. Yes, it has been a while since I wrote an article on here and today I thought: “It’s time!” It’s amazing to hear that you’ve experienced all ten of those signs in your journey already. That really speaks to the consistency and growth you’ve built over time.
And you’re absolutely right, Hein, sometimes those “small” steps end up being huge in the bigger picture, especially when they unlock new opportunities or give you that edge in business. It sounds like you’re in a really exciting phase. Wishing you continued momentum and success! Keep going, you’re clearly doing something right. ☺️
Warmest wishes,
Maria
You're welcome. 😃
Yes, we have been trying to do things right, but at the same time I am swamped. My biggest hurdle is keeping inbox zero. It is a nightmare! I hope your business(es) have been doing great so far!
I totally get it, Hein. Inbox overload can be tough. What helps me is setting two or three fixed times each day to check messages and using simple folders like “Reply Today” or “To Review.” It makes things feel less overwhelming.
Glad to hear you’re pushing forward, and thanks, things are going well here too!