What defines progress?

According to Merriam-Webster: gradual betterment
According to Dictionary.com: a movement toward a goal or to a further or higher stage
According to Oxford: Forward or onward movement toward a destination

So the general consensus appears to be that you are moving forward towards something of a destination.  But, how do you define the direction of steps taken during that progress?  How can you tell if it is backwards, forwards, or around in circles?

I've hit a b...