Finding Grace in the Journey Toward Your Goals



It’s easy to feel discouraged when a goal feels out of reach. Whether it’s health, travel, or personal growth, the journey often feels slow. Yet, when we think about how kids learn, we offer them endless encouragement to keep going, even when progress takes years. So why is it so hard to give ourselves that same grace?

I’ve been reflecting on this as I work toward my own goals: improving my fitness, traveling more with my kids, and pursuing singing as a part-time gig. It’s hard to exist in the “in-between,” where you’re still working but not yet where you want to be.

Recently, I came across a story about a girl who finished last in a race but beat her personal best. Her coach celebrated her progress, reminding her that improvement matters more than placement. It stuck with me—progress is about showing up, even if it feels small.

A couple of months ago, I set a goal to hike in Colorado with my kids, improving my fitness so I wouldn’t struggle with the altitude. Now, I’m facing a new challenge: hiking in Switzerland. I want to make the most of it, which means continuing to push toward better health and strength.


Still, some days are tough. Just yesterday, I felt frustrated with my singing. My voice wasn’t where I wanted it to be, and I almost gave up. This morning wasn’t any better—my workout buddy canceled, and I let myself sleep in. But instead of giving up entirely, I decided to do something.


I set up a quick home workout:

5-minute elevated heart rate bike ride

10 oblique twist squats (27 lbs)

10 plank rows

I repeated this for three sets, then added kettlebell swings and tricep pulls.


It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress.

Grace for yourself isn’t just about forgiving mistakes; it’s about showing up—even when the results feel slow. Progress doesn’t always look like hitting the highest note or finishing first. Sometimes, it’s just taking one more step forward.

Here’s to celebrating the small victories—they’ll get us to the finish line eventually.

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This version trims down unnecessary details while keeping the message clear and motivating. Does this feel more digestible?


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