As spring emerges and nature begins to bloom, it’s the perfect time to reflect on something we often overlook—our own growth. While we’re busy meeting deadlines, managing proposals, and supporting our teams, we often miss the quiet progress happening within ourselves.

Have You Grown Without Noticing?

Think back to where you were a year ago. What tasks used to feel overwhelming but are now second nature? What feedback have you received that proves you’ve made an impact? Growth doesn’t always come with fanfare—it happens gradually, through consistent effort and lived experience. You don’t need a promotion or public recognition to validate your progress. You’re growing all the time.

Struggling to See Your Progress? You’re Not Alone

Even when we know we’ve improved, it’s easy to compare ourselves to those who’ve been in the field longer. But the presence of more experienced professionals isn’t a sign that we’re falling behind. As Sara puts it, “The continued presence of a skill gap doesn’t mean you haven’t grown—it just means experience is an ongoing process.” Everyone, even the most seasoned experts, is still learning.

Shift Your Mindset: From “What’s Left to Learn” to “How Far I’ve Come”

Working in proposals means constantly adapting and learning. Best practices evolve, strategies shift, and every RFP brings unique challenges. That’s what makes the work exciting. But if you’re only focused on what you haven’t learned yet, you can easily lose sight of how much you already know.

To shift your mindset, start by tracking your wins—small and large. Take note of the skills you’ve developed, the feedback you’ve received, and the challenges you’ve overcome. Teaching others is another powerful way to reinforce your knowledge and validate your growth. And instead of seeing experienced professionals as reminders of how far you have to go, reframe them as inspiration. Their progress proves that learning is lifelong.

Brag About Yourself—You Deserve It

We’re often told to be humble, to let our work speak for itself. But at what point does humility become self-doubt? You don’t need to wait for a job interview to list your accomplishments. If you don’t acknowledge your own growth, who will?

Accept compliments without brushing them off. Celebrate the small wins—like handling a compliance review more confidently or speaking up more often in meetings. These are meaningful signs of growth, and they matter.

Set Short-Term Goals to Track Long-Term Growth

One way to make progress feel more tangible is by setting specific, short-term goals. Vague ambitions like “become a better proposal manager” can feel overwhelming. Instead, set goals like “lead a kickoff meeting with clarity and confidence.” Rather than just wanting to “gain industry knowledge,” commit to studying for and earning a certification. These clear, achievable milestones build confidence and help you see your development in real time.

Give Yourself Credit—You’ve Earned It

If you’re always focused on the next milestone without appreciating how far you’ve come, it’s hard to feel fulfilled. This spring, take time to reflect. Acknowledge your growth. Give yourself credit. You are improving—even if you don’t always notice it.

About the Author
Sara Levene is an up-and-coming professional in Proposal Management with two years of experience. She is passionate about personal and professional development and believes strongly in the power of mentorship. Sara currently serves as an Associate Proposal Manager at DMI, where she leads initiatives that help others grow in their careers.