In order to REALLY GROW ... & ..... IMPROVE
We must compare ourselves today with ourselves yesterday....
Then, calculate whether we moved closer to where we WANT to be; or moved more distant.
If we are closer and better today than yesterday; we improved.
However: If we are merely better than others, against whom we compare ourselves, we may be getting worse —while appearing in good shape.
After all: We are still relatively better than those against whom, we compare ourselves.