Path to Becoming
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Oct 9, 2026 · Theme of the Week: Progress over perfection

Feeling Friday - Edition 40

Path to Becoming
Feeling Friday
Theme of the Week: Progress over perfection
On Monday, I shared how I reached the end of a day feeling like I had accomplished nothing, even though I had run errands and organized the weeks ahead.
What stayed with me was how quickly I dismissed those things. Because I hadn’t worked on my business, I decided the day hadn’t been productive. I was measuring everything against the version of the day I thought I should have had.
But there is some interesting research that connects with this...
Researchers Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer examined nearly 12,000 employee diary entries and found that making progress in meaningful work, even through small wins, was closely connected with positive emotions and motivation. We don’t always need a major breakthrough to feel encouraged to keep going. Small steps can matter more than we realize.
That made me think about how much progress we might overlook simply because we never pause to acknowledge it.
I can easily tell you what is still on my to-do list. Giving myself credit for what I have already done takes more intention. So let's work on it!
Mindset activity: the "done" list
At the end of today, take a couple of minutes to write down three things you did. Include things that may not have been on your original list, and allow the ordinary things to count.
Beside each one, write a short sentence explaining why it mattered.
For example:
- I bought groceries. I made it easier to prepare meals during a busy week.
- I worked on a difficult assignment for 20 minutes. I understand it better and have something to build on.
- I took time to rest. I listened to my need for a break instead of pushing past it.
That second sentence is important. It helps you see the value behind something you might otherwise brush off as insignificant.
Looking back at my own example, “I organized my schedule” felt unimpressive. But “I organized my schedule so I could approach the coming weeks with more clarity” helped me recognize what that effort had given me.
You can still have unfinished work and acknowledge that you made progress. Both can be true.
For me, this connects with the grace Marcus Aurelius encourages us to give ourselves. I can keep working toward my goals while being fair about the effort I am already making. Expecting every day to be perfectly balanced leaves very little room to appreciate the life I am actually living.
Some of your small wins may have gone unrecognized all week. Give yourself the space and time to change that!
Stay strong, even when you are not. It’s okay, you are not alone.
With love always,
Michael Argyrides
pathtobecoming.ca
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