Being a Work in Progress Is Enough
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." ~ Theodore Roosevelt
As unpaid family caregivers, we often feel like we should be doing more—like there’s never enough time, energy, or resources to meet every need. Theodore Roosevelt’s words remind us that our strength comes from showing up with what we do have, right where we are.
Every small act of care, every boundary we set, every moment of patience we find is enough. By focusing on what we can do, instead of what we can’t, we protect our own well-being and create sustainable caregiving that lasts.
One of the loved ones that I care for has been feeling really discouraged, disheartened, and disappointed lately. They were told by their physical therapist that they weren’t making enough progress, and therefore, the therapy would no longer be covered by their insurance. My loved one viewed that as failure, which led to anger, shame, and blame. They asked what I wanted them to do, and I said it was what THEY wanted to do; that was enough. We’re committed to showing them a different path forward, to strive for progress over perfection, focusing on small wins, like getting out of bed and into the wheelchair, even if it’s just to leave their room for a change of scenery.
3 TOOLS TO STRIVE FOR PROGRESS OVER PERFECTION:
Set “Good Enough” Goals - Instead of trying to meet impossible standards, try setting small, realistic micro-goals for the day—like taking one short walk, preparing a simple meal, or scheduling one support call. Meeting these manageable goals provides a sense of accomplishment and keeps momentum going without adding extra pressure.
Practice Self-Compassion Check-Ins - Pause throughout the day to ask yourself: “Am I being kind to myself, or am I expecting perfection?” This quick reflection helps shift from harsh self-criticism to self-compassion, reminding you that doing your best in the moment is enough.
Celebrate Small Wins - Keeping a journal or even a sticky note list of daily “small victories” can help you notice progress over time. Whether it’s calming a difficult moment, asking for help, or taking five minutes to rest, celebrating these moments builds confidence and prevents feelings of inadequacy that can lead to burnout.
Perfection is measured by society’s standards. Excellence is about doing our best in the moment. When we strive for excellence and recognize progress, our caregiving relationships grow stronger. Caregiving is not about perfection; it’s about showing up with love, patience, and persistence.
Take pride in your progress, because no step forward is ever too small. 💙