The Power of Purposeful Progress by Addison

The Power of Purposeful Progress by Addison - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I was given the opportunity to go back in time and tell my past self just one thing, it would be this: your direction is more important than your speed. At first, that might sound simple, even obvious. But looking back on some of the stress, confusion, and burnout I experienced during my years in high school, I now realize how powerful and necessary that advice really is.
When I was younger, I often felt like I was in a race. It seemed like everyone around me was rushing to get somewhere: better grades, early internships, faster career progress, or just being more “successful” in general. I thought if I was not moving fast, I was falling behind my classmates. So I pushed myself to go harder, take on more, and constantly be “productive.” But the problem was, I did not always know where I was going. I was just striving for progress for the sake of progress, without stopping to ask if I was actually heading in the right direction for me and my goals.
That is why I would tell my past self to slow down and take a breath. I would explain that speed means nothing if you are headed the wrong way. It is like driving a car as fast as possible, but never checking the map. You might be having a great time, but toward a destination you do not even want or the one that may not be the right path that leads you to your full potential. By not taking the time to pay attention to where you are going, you may fall further behind by having to start over once you figure out who you want to become.
If I had heard that advice earlier, I think I would have spent less time comparing myself to others and more time figuring out what truly mattered to me. I would have asked myself bigger, more valuable questions like: “What kind of life do I actually want?” and “What makes me feel alive and fulfilled?” Instead, I was focused on short-term wins: finishing first, getting things done quickly, or achieving whatever seemed impressive at the time to my peers.
To be clear, I am not saying effort and ambition are bad. Working hard is important. But it is even more important to make sure your effort is aligned with a purpose. Imagine climbing a tall ladder as fast as you can, only to realize it is leaning against the wrong wall. That is what it feels like to chase success without direction. You might reach the top, but find out it is not where you truly want to be.
I have learned that it is okay to take a little longer in order to figure things out. Sometimes, the slower path is the wiser one because it gives you time to reflect and adjust to how you and your interests change over time. I now believe progress is about intention, not just motion. You can walk steadily toward your goal and make more meaningful progress than someone sprinting blindly in a random direction that they think will provide the quickest results. .
So if I could speak to my younger self, I would offer reassurance. I would say: “You do not need to have everything figured out right away. Life is not a race. Focus on where you are going, not how fast you are getting there. It is okay to pause, to rethink, and to choose a path that makes sense for you, even if it takes a little longer.”
That advice would have saved me a lot of unnecessary stress. It would have helped me trust my own timing, instead of constantly feeling behind. Most importantly, it would have reminded me that the journey is just as important as the destination.
In the end, direction is what gives speed its value. Without it, you are just running in circles. But with the right direction, even small steps become powerful. And that is the message I wish I could have given to my past self.