What Progress Really Looks Like (Hint: It’s Not a Straight Line)

In an ever-digitized world, especially in this health and wellness corner of the internet, we’ve all seen the transformation photos. The perfect progress shots. The “before” and “after” stories that make it seem like change is a linear, flawless journey with zero setbacks. But what we don’t always see (or talk about enough!) is everything that happens in between.

Because real progress? It’s messy. It can be emotional. And it’s far from linear. This past week reminded me of just how true that is.

I’ve been working hard in the gym, hitting four strength training sessions a week that leave me feeling stronger and more energized. I’ve been intentional with my meals, focusing on high-protein, whole food options. I even set up a walking pad and standing desk (hello, easy 15k+ step days!) and have been working to support my mindset just as much as my movement.

But then life, like it always does, got a little chaotic. Between a 10-hour road trip, overstimulation at my childhood home, emotional triggers, and that weird "off" energy that makes everything feel out of sync, it all just… caught up with me.

Old habits crept in. I felt ungrounded, anxious, and drained. I found myself turning to food for comfort, trying to soothe something emotional with something tangible. And for just a moment, the voice in my head screamed, “You ruined your progress.”

But this time, I knew better.

Because I’m learning that progress isn’t about being perfect. It’s about returning to yourself—over and over again.

I can be a very all-or-nothing person, so it often feels like one missed workout or late-night snack session means starting from zero. But as I’ve grown on this journey, that harsh voice in my head that used to scream those thoughts now sounds more like a whisper. And I don’t always listen to it anymore.

What progress has looked like for me lately:

• Finishing a low-energy workout when every part of me wanted to quit, and being proud I showed up anyway.

• Eating a nourishing meal after a tough night, not to “fix” anything, but to support my body like it deserves.

• Choosing long walks in the sunshine over punishment cardio, because I’m learning that more isn’t always better.

• Resting fully and without guilt when my body tells me it needs it.

• Reminding myself that one snack, one skipped step goal, or one imperfect day doesn’t define me.

The old me would’ve spiraled. And truthfully? I almost did. But now, I pause. I reset. I keep going. And that is what real progress looks like.

It’s not about being 100% on every day. It’s not about willpower or rigid routines. It’s about treating yourself with compassion. It’s about tuning in instead of checking out. It’s about building a life that feels good, not just one that looks good.

I used to think that progress meant constantly moving forward. Now, I know it also means slowing down, breathing, and trusting the process. Sometimes you fall off track. Truthfully, it happens to all of us. But you get back up, and keep going. So if you’re in a season where your goals feel far away, or like you’ve taken a few steps back… this is your reminder: you’re still making progress.

It won’t always show up on the scale or in your reflection. Sometimes, it shows up in your resilience, your self-talk, and your ability to keep showing up when it’s hard. You don’t have to be perfect to move forward. You just have to keep going. Softly. Slowly. Intentionally. I promise, you’re doing so much better than you think.

Xoxo,

Amélie