Keep Going: How to Push Through When Progress Feels Slow

What do you do when burnout sets in and it feels like no one notices what you’re creating? When your blog gets zero views, your posts get no likes, and your efforts seem to vanish into the void — that’s burnout. But here’s the truth: everyone hits a wall. The ones who win are the ones who keep walking.

There’s a quote that sticks with me during those low moments: “At first, they’ll ask why you’re doing it. Later, they’ll ask how you did it.” The trick is getting from the first part to the second — and that takes quiet, invisible, often thankless persistence. You’re not broken for feeling discouraged. You’re just early.

Progress is Invisible… Until It’s Not

I recently re-read Atomic Habits, and one point hit hard: progress doesn’t look like progress… until it does. Think of water heating up. From 30° to 211°F, nothing seems to change. Then suddenly, at 212°F, it turns to steam. Everything looks the same — until it doesn’t. That one extra degree makes all the difference. Most people give up at 211.

It’s the same with building better money habits, getting fit, or growing a blog. Nothing feels like it’s working… until it is. Your effort compounds behind the scenes. You’re not failing — you’re just not at boiling point yet. Keep showing up and stacking those degrees. You’ll get there, but only if you stay long enough to see the change.

Make It So Easy You Can’t Skip It

When it feels like everything is stuck, shrink your habit until it’s impossible to miss. Set the bar laughably low. Check your bank account once a day. Transfer $1 to savings. Write one sentence about your goals. These tiny moves feel like nothing now, but they’re how you build a rhythm. You don’t need to run marathons — you need to learn how to tie your shoes consistently.

Once it becomes part of your routine, it grows naturally. That one sentence turns into a paragraph. That $1 becomes $10. Progress doesn’t come from giant leaps — it comes from not skipping the small stuff. Make the bar so low you trip over it, and then keep going.

Focus on the Process, Not the Applause

Detach yourself from the results. That means ignoring likes, views, and instant outcomes. Yes, validation feels great — but when it's gone, do you stop? Or do you keep going because the process matters more? Watching water boil is boring, but when the timer goes off, it’s ready. That’s how your habits work, too.

This is about building a lifestyle, not hitting one milestone. If you hit your goal weight, what happens next? If your blog gets 1,000 views, then what? Without systems in place, you’ll slide back. But if you focus on showing up — regardless of the reward — then you’re building something that lasts.

Track Wins, Not Just Plans

A “did it” list is your best friend. Unlike a to-do list that nags you, a “did it” list reminds you of your progress. Write down what you actually accomplished — even if it’s tiny. Cooked at home instead of ordering takeout? Logged into your bank account even though you didn’t want to? That counts. You’re building self-trust.

I like checking off boxes in my planner, even on the slow days. If I only lifted for 10 minutes or did one Uber trip with no rides, it’s still a win. Showing up when you don’t feel like it matters more than the easy days. And when you’re down, your “did it” list is proof that you’re not starting from zero.

Make Yourself Accountable — Even if No One's Watching

Accountability isn’t about followers or fans. It’s about having a reason to stay consistent — even when it’s just you. Maybe you write in a journal, use a tracking app, or keep a sticky note on your wall. Maybe you share publicly, just to make it real. You’re not seeking applause; you’re building integrity.

Imagine you had 100 people secretly watching your effort. Would you try harder? Good — now act like they’re there. Pretend the audience is real until the habits are, too. Athletes don’t only perform when people are watching — they train in silence because they know the outcome is worth it.

Shrink the Habit to Keep It Alive

If you can’t keep going, make it smaller. That $1 into savings still matters. That five-minute walk still counts. Shrinking a habit doesn’t mean you’re weak — it means you’re smart enough to stay in the game. It’s not about how much you do today; it’s about whether you’ll still be doing it next month.

When I do 5x5 StrongLifts, I add 5 pounds after each session — and if I fail, I just drop back a little and build up again. Over time, I went from an empty bar to deadlifting over 200 lbs. That didn’t happen with massive jumps — it happened by not quitting. Flexibility keeps your progress alive. Simplicity keeps it sustainable.

You’re Not Doing This for Applause

You’re doing this for the future version of you — the one who doesn’t exist yet. They’re stronger, more stable, and more confident. But they only exist if you do the work now. You’re not chasing external praise. You’re becoming someone worth showing up for.

When you were a kid, you might’ve wanted to be a doctor, an astronaut, or a YouTuber. The difference between dreams and reality isn’t talent — it’s behavior. Are you doing what that future version of you would do today? If not, start. You decide who you become, one action at a time.

What’s Your One Degree?

You don’t need to overhaul your life today. Just turn up the heat by one degree.

Pick one small habit — something so simple you can’t fail. Show up for it daily. Track your wins. Share your journey. And when it feels like no one’s watching… remember, you are.

If this post helped, send it to someone who needs a quiet push. And if you're ready to build better money habits, stronger routines, or a consistent system for your goals — check out the rest of my posts. Let’s get your next degree of progress started today.