Imagine spilling ketchup on the counter. You grab a paper towel and start wiping it up, but at first, it seems like you’re only making the mess worse. Yet, each wipe moves you closer to a clean surface. You’re making progress—you just can’t see it right away.
Starting something new in life often feels the same. Whether it’s learning a new skill, building a habit, or chasing a goal, the early steps can feel frustrating and messy. But, as research shows, that mess can be a sign that important progress is already happening.
The Science of Hidden Progress
Research in performance psychology backs this up. Carol Dweck, known for her work on the “growth mindset,” and Robert Bjork, who coined the term “desirable difficulty,” have shown that people often don’t feel like they’re improving, even when they are.
This feeling of slow progress can trick us into thinking we’re failing. But the truth is, struggle is often part of how real learning happens. Dweck’s work encourages us to see setbacks as a normal—and even helpful—part of growth. Bjork’s research goes further, showing that difficult tasks can create stronger memory and understanding in the long run.
This is where a mental shift can help. Instead of getting discouraged, we can reframe those early struggles. By believing in progress even when we can’t see it, we boost our motivation and stay on track.
Progress Starts Before You Can See It
One way to build this mindset is to notice small changes each day—like a bud that hints at the coming bloom or an egg slowly forming a chick inside. These quiet moments of growth happen before the big results appear.
Try imagining what those early signs might become. A single rough conversation in a new language could be the foundation of future fluency. A failed workout might be building strength, even if your muscles just feel sore.
Struggle Can Be a Sign of Deeper Learning
Robert Bjork has shown that struggling through hard tasks helps our brains form stronger learning pathways. These moments—when we feel stuck or uncomfortable—are actually building long-term skills. That’s what he calls a “desirable difficulty.” It feels tough now, but leads to lasting improvement.
One personal story shows how this plays out. When the author started a faculty job in 2007, 95 out of 100 grant proposals were rejected. It felt like failure. But the feedback on those proposals revealed how to write stronger ones. That tough period eventually led to success—three major grants, a lab saved from closure, and a team that tripled in size.
Common Experiences of Messy Progress
This pattern shows up in everyday life:
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Starting a fitness journey may reveal weaknesses, but each workout builds strength.
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Beginning a new job may feel overwhelming, but each challenge teaches something valuable.
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Learning a new language feels awkward at first, but every mistake helps cement learning.
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Picking up an instrument sounds messy in the beginning, but each note brings improvement.
Practical Steps to Shift Your Mindset
You can train your brain to see the value in these messy beginnings. Here’s how:
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The Prepared Plunge
Create space to explore and make mistakes. Set time limits or goals so you don’t feel lost. Use the mess to learn what works, what doesn’t, and what to try next. -
Frame the Mess as Growth
When things feel chaotic, shift your thinking. Instead of “I’m failing,” try “I’m learning.” Choose to believe that progress is happening beneath the surface. -
Notice the Small Wins
Like seeing ketchup on the paper towel, look for subtle signs of progress. Each effort builds your internal skills, even if the result isn’t perfect yet. -
Celebrate Progress
When something does go right, even in a small way, highlight it. Say, “That worked!” or “I’m getting better.” This locks in your belief that progress is real and happening.
Turning Chaos Into Growth
Carl Jung once said, “In all chaos, there is a cosmos.” What seems like disorder is often part of a larger process. If we can see past the mess, we can spot the patterns that show we’re growing.
So the next time you feel stuck, messy, or unsure, remember the ketchup. Each wipe is one step forward. You’re not just cleaning up—you’re growing stronger, even if you can’t see it yet.
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