Blog

Last Wednesday, January 15, wasn’t just a day for Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom to celebrate—it was a day to reflect on the power of progress. Not only did Space Mountain turn fifty, but so did the Carousel of Progress, Walt Disney’s all-time favorite attraction. Together, these milestones remind us of a lesson that’s just as relevant today as it was in Walt’s time: Progress is more important than perfection.

This week, let’s step into the Carousel’s rich history and discover how it inspires us to overcome procrastination, embrace imperfection, and keep moving forward toward our dreams.

A History of Progress

The Carousel of Progress was born out of Walt Disney’s relentless belief in optimism. When it premiered at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair as “Progressland,” it wasn’t just a showcase of General Electric’s technological innovations—it was a celebration of the spirit of invention and humanity’s ability to create a brighter future. Walt believed in this attraction so deeply that he would hum its Sherman Brothers’ theme song, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,”to himself during work meetings.

After captivating millions at the fair, the attraction moved to Disneyland in 1967 before finding its permanent home at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in 1975. Across decades and three locations, it has stood as a living testament to the idea that progress isn’t a final destination—it’s a journey, one step and one innovation at a time.

The Courage to Begin

The story of the Carousel of Progress didn’t unfold perfectly. Its earliest iteration was envisioned as a walk-through attraction in an area called Edison Square off Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. Walt’s team even included it on maps of the park in the late 1950s. But budget constraints and technical limitations forced the idea to be shelved.

Did Walt give up? No. He returned to the concept, refining it and finding ways to make it even better. By the time “Progressland” debuted at the World’s Fair, it wasn’t flawless, but it was groundbreaking. It didn’t need to be perfect to make an impression—it just needed to exist. That lesson stayed with the attraction as it evolved, moving to Disneyland and later the Magic Kingdom, with updates that reflected new eras of technology and culture.

Perfection Is the Enemy of Progress

Walt Disney understood that perfection often paralyzes us. The fear of making mistakes or not meeting impossibly high standards keeps us stuck at the starting line. But progress—imperfect, messy, and real—is what drives innovation, creativity, and ultimately, success.

The Carousel of Progress reflects this truth. It’s not about presenting a flawless vision of the future; it’s about embracing the process of getting there. Just as the attraction has grown and changed over the years, so can we—if we have the courage to take the first step.

Beating Procrastination: Lessons from the Carousel of Progress

Procrastination is the voice in your head that says, “Not yet.” It’s the hesitation that comes from fearing imperfection. But the Carousel of Progress teaches us that getting started is what matters most. Here’s how you can channel its lessons into your own life:

1. Start Small: Just as Walt began with an idea for Edison Square, you can start with a simple action. No matter how small, it gets you moving.
   ​
2. Iterate and Improve: Like the updates to the attraction, allow your projects to evolve. You don’t have to get it perfect on the first try.
   ​
3. Celebrate Milestones: Progress isn’t just about the end goal. Take time to honor the small victories along the way.
   ​
4. Keep the Big Picture in Mind: Perfection isn’t the goal—momentum is. Focus on the journey and trust that your work will grow as you do.

A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow

The Carousel of Progress reminds us of a powerful truth: The future isn’t built in a single moment, or single season. It’s crafted over time, through incremental steps, adjustments, and a willingness to move forward despite imperfections.

As its theme song soars, “There’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day.” That beautiful tomorrow isn’t waiting for perfection. It’s waiting for you to take that first step.

If you’ve been putting off your goals, waiting for the “perfect” time to start, take inspiration from the Carousel of Progress. Start now. Move forward. Build momentum. And trust that you can refine and improve as you go. After all, “Now is the time. Now is the best time!”

Need help getting started, or getting over your “lumbago”? I’d love to support you on your journey. Whether you need encouragement, guidance, or just a nudge, let’s work together to create your own Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.