Crawling Toward your Goals Beats Running Toward Failure

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “If you can’t run, walk; if you can’t walk, crawl — but keep moving forward.” I couldn’t agree more. Any goal worth pursuing is worth going all the way — even if that means crawling on your hands and knees.

Living in a world of instant success and rapid achievement can be frustrating. When you’re still crawling toward your goals, the miraculous results of the latest start-up company can make you feel like a total failure.

These constant, not-so-subtle messages about instant success can leave you feeling like a failure if you’re not experiencing spectacular results in record time. Even worse, the high-speed pursuit of success can leave you feeling exhausted, defeated, and even ready to give up. But what if I told you there’s nothing wrong with crawling — even when everyone else is sprinting past you? Would you believe that crawling toward your goals might be the most effective strategy?

Dr. King’s quote resonates deeply with me, especially when I see others effortlessly making huge strides while barely making progress, giving a goal everything I have.
 
In moments of frustration like these, it’s important to consider the nature of personal growth and achievement. Each of us has a unique journey, and sometimes the path isn’t a straight line — it’s filled with obstacles, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Yet, when the hill is so steep that it requires climbing on your hands and knees, perseverance shines the brightest.

Crawling toward your goals requires a constant reminder that progress doesn’t always look the same. It’s not about how quickly you reach your destination, but about the determination to keep moving — no matter how slowly. Many marathon runners start the same race at different paces. While some sprint ahead, others find their strength in a steady, measured pace. Ultimately, it’s not just about finishing; it’s about enduring the journey with resilience. Sometimes, the tortoise finishes the marathon first because the rabbit started out too fast.

So, I say, embrace the crawl! Permit yourself to fail, learn, and grow at your own pace. Each tiny step forward toward your goal is a victory in itself. Success rarely happens overnight; more often, it’s a series of small wins over time. Don’t be surprised when you see those sprinting toward success completely burned out when they get there.

It's natural to compare yourself to others, especially in a world filled with Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts showcasing success stories. However, we must remember that everyone's journey is unique. Additionally, there's a strict time limit for Reels and Shorts, which means the content creator likely cut out all the challenging moments and sped through the mundane parts to make their success appear more spectacular.

Crawling sometimes fosters creativity. When you're not sprinting toward the end goal, you have more space to explore new ideas, strategies, and paths that may lead to even greater success than you initially imagined. Sometimes, the best opportunities arise when you slow down and take stock of your surroundings.

One of the most important aspects of the journey toward your goals is celebrating the small wins. No matter how insignificant they may seem, every step you take is progress in the right direction. Recognizing small moments — like completing a task you’ve been avoiding or meeting a weekly target — can boost your motivation and confidence, and reinforce the belief that you are on the right path.

Crawling is not a sign of weakness, but an opportunity to build experiences and learn lessons that sprinters often run right past. Taking your time creates a solid foundation for your goals, built on understanding and personal growth.

The path to success is not a race; it’s a journey. That journey often requires endurance, reflection, and personal growth. Crawling toward your goals may be slower, but it still moves you in the right direction. And by the way, does it really matter how you're moving if you're headed in the wrong direction anyway? Remember Dr. King’s words: keep moving forward at whatever pace you can manage. Each small step gets you closer to your goals — and the lessons learned last much longer.

The next time you feel the urge to keep up with the pack, embrace the crawl. Celebrate every inch you gain, and trust the process. After all, progress is progress — no matter how slow it may seem.