I read on another thread something about the Stockdale paradox -which also addresses the time factor and "It's not so much whether WE see it as pursuing... unfortunately, it appears that is just the way the WAS sees it..
When I get back tonight from my lectures, I will do a stock check - and review something my H emailed me a while ago and match it with what I've been doing so far. It might help me see if my self-improvements are on target.
At least I can then be more sure if I am moving in the direction of developing myself instead of wading in impatience.