Have you ever felt like you're stuck, even though you're doing all the "right" things? Like you're putting in effort but can't see the results? I've been there too, and it's one of the most frustrating places to find yourself.

But here's what I've learned: growth often happens quietly in the background, reshaping how we think, feel, and show up. The changes are so subtle that we miss them, focusing instead on what still feels hard or incomplete.

Last week, a client told me she felt like she wasn't making any progress with her wellness goals. But as we talked, it became clear that she was actually doing brilliant things. She was catching her negative thoughts before they spiralled out of control. She was saying no to things that drained her energy. She was taking breaks when she needed them, instead of pushing through exhaustion.

These weren't the dramatic overnight transformations she expected, but they were important shifts that had been building quietly over weeks and months.

That conversation inspired this week's Blog: 54 Signs You're Making Progress (even if it doesn't feel like it).

Progress isn't always obvious. Progress is often subtle and messy, easy to miss when you're in it. Sometimes it's pausing before reacting to stress. Sometimes it's recognising a limiting belief and questioning it for the first time. Sometimes it's just showing up, even when motivation is low.

These small shifts in your mindset, emotional awareness, actions, relationships, and self-perception are, in fact, the building blocks of lasting change. They might not feel impressive in the moment, but they're proof that you're evolving.

The truth is, you're probably further along than you think. You're catching patterns you used to miss. You're treating yourself with more kindness after mistakes. You're setting boundaries that protect your peace. You're choosing progress over perfection, even in small ways.

These aren't just nice-to-haves. They're the foundation for everything you want to build.

54 Signs You're Making Progress (even if it doesn't feel like it)

Shifting Your Mindset

1.  You're catching your negative thoughts before they spiral out of control.
2.  You've begun to approach setbacks with curiosity, rather than frustration.
3.  You're kinder to yourself after making a mistake.
4.  You've stopped comparing your progress to others.
5.  You can identify limiting beliefs and challenge them.
6.  You focus more on what you can do, rather than dwelling on what you can't.
7.  You're celebrating small wins, not just big milestones.
8.  You see growth as a process, not a finish line.
9.  You're more intentional about where you invest your energy.
10.  You're starting to trust that it's okay to not have all the answers.

Improved Emotional Awareness

1.  You're recognising your emotions without pushing them aside.
2.  You feel more aligned with your values and intentions.
3.  You can name your feelings instead of feeling overwhelmed by them.
4.  You're taking a pause before reacting to tough situations.
5.  You're setting boundaries to protect your emotional health.
6.  You feel more connected to your inner self.
7.  You're noticing your triggers and beginning to work through them.
8.  You're able to share how you're feeling with others.
9.  You know when you need a break—and you take it.
10.  You're making time to process past hurts instead of avoiding them.

Strengthening Your Actions

1.  You say no without over-explaining or feeling guilty.
2.  You're taking small, consistent actions in areas that matter to you.
3.  You're following through on the promises you make to yourself.
4.  You've stopped procrastinating on things that used to overwhelm you.
5.  You're experimenting with new habits and routines to find what works.
6.  You're prioritising progress over perfection.
7.  You're showing up for yourself even when motivation dips.
8.  You're tackling things one step at a time, without rushing results.
9.  You're spending time on things that genuinely make you happy.
10.  You're focusing on consistency instead of quick fixes.

Relationships Evolving

1.  You've started letting go of relationships that no longer feel right for you.
2.  You're seeking deeper connections rather than shallow validation.
3.  You're more open to expressing your needs with loved ones.
4.  You're surrounding yourself with people who genuinely support your growth.
5.  You've stopped people-pleasing just to avoid conflict.
6.  You're creating space for relationships that feel aligned with your values.
7.  You're less afraid of being vulnerable because you trust yourself.
8.  You're noticing how certain relationships influence your mood and energy.
9.  You prioritise quality over quantity in your social circle.
10.  You've begun to see your worth as independent of how others perceive you.

Changes in How You See Yourself

1.  You're starting to feel proud of yourself, even for small things.
2.  You accept compliments without arguing or dismissing them.
3.  You're noticing how far you've come, even if there's still a way to go.
4.  You're showing more patience with yourself in the face of challenges.
5.  You're valuing yourself more, even on days when you don't feel your best.
6.  You see setbacks as temporary and not a reflection of your worth.
7.  You're spending less time worrying about things you can't control.
8.  You're learning how to celebrate yourself unapologetically.
9.  You've stopped defining yourself solely by what you achieve.
10.  You're showing up as the person you want to be, even in small ways.

The Subtle Wins

1.  You're still trying, even when it feels hard—that's progress.
2.  You're catching yourself in old patterns and making new choices.
3.  You're learning to sit with discomfort instead of fighting it.
4.  You're starting to believe that change is truly possible for you.

Recognising Your Own Journey

Each of these signs represents a shift that might feel insignificant in isolation, but together they paint a picture of real transformation.

The beautiful thing about progress is that it doesn't require grand gestures or perfect execution. It thrives in the small, consistent choices we make each day.

Perhaps you recognise yourself in some of these signs. Maybe you've been noticing your triggers more clearly, or you've started saying no without the usual guilt spiral. These moments of recognition are worth celebrating because they represent genuine progress.

The reason we often miss our own progress is that we're too close to see it clearly. We're living in the day-to-day experience of trying, struggling, and slowly shifting. We notice what still feels difficult more than what has become easier.

But here's the thing: every challenge you've navigated has taught you something. Every boundary you've set has strengthened your sense of self. Every time you've chosen self-compassion over self-criticism, you've rewired your brain just a little bit more toward kindness.

This Weeks Challenge

This week, I’d like you to become a detective of your own progress. Instead of focusing on what still feels hard, spend a few minutes reflecting on the subtle ways you've changed recently.

Ask yourself:

•  How do I handle setbacks differently than I used to?
•  What negative patterns am I starting to notice and interrupt?
•  How am I treating myself with more kindness?
•  Where am I showing up more consistently, even in small ways?

At the end of the week, write down three recent ways you've progressed, no matter how small. Take a moment to celebrate each accomplishment. You've earned it.

Just reading this and thinking about your progress means you're moving forward. Keep going!

Even the smallest shifts deserve to be celebrated, because they're proof that you're evolving.

Progress is about more than where you're going; it's also about recognising how far you've already come. Until next week, I’m here and cheering you on to wellness success,

Katie x