Progress, Not Perfection

Client Progress and Expectations

Look for progress, not perfection.

I tell my clients this a lot, and I can imagine some of them don’t want to hear it. These days, we are designed to look for a quick fix, a pill to take away any pain or suffering. Of course, no one wants to suffer. We all want a quick result, to feel better faster, now - but the reality of it is that change takes time. Just as it may take a long time for issues to develop, they may also take a long time to resolve; and sometimes they won’t fully resolve, and we need to learn to manage them.

Realistic Progress Goals

If we look at other aspects of our life or wellness, when we start something new, we don’t expect to be able to run 5 miles, squat 100lbs, or juggle 5 balls immediately. We start slowly, and the changes are imperceptible at first, and then one day we can run farther or we’re increasing the weight we grab for bicep curls. We make progress. It is also important to have realistic goals for treatment and discuss these goals with your therapist so we can work together to create the best treatment plan for you.

Progress Perspective

A ‘progress perspective’ is an important mindset to have during the treatment and healing process, whether its physical, emotional, or mental, and especially if you are dealing with several or chronic issues. Some of those issues may have been with you many years and require a bit more work than others. Trust me, even as a therapist it is frustrating when we feel like we’re not seeing results quickly. Having a progress perspective allows us to observe the changes, subtle as they may be, and to know that more is possible.

Progress Check-Ins

When we do our chat to check-in at the beginning of every appointment, we are reviewing your symptoms and changes since your last visit. Perhaps the back pain is still there but you can walk farther around the track before needing to sit down. The neck is still tight, but your arm isn’t going numb when you wash your hair. Headaches still come, but they are more manageable, they resolve faster, and you can complete your daily activities. Maybe you can shoulder check again. Check ins also help give perspective when you experience a set back or flare up, to remind yourself how much progress has been made.

Progress in General

“Progress, not perfection” translates into so many aspects of our lives too, in work, relationships, school, etc. We are often too hard on ourselves when something isn’t working quickly, we compare ourselves to others. Give yourself a break and reflect on how far you’ve come.

Progress…not perfection.

Perfection, the Myth

Besides, perfection is a myth, and even if you did reach it, then what? We would stop evolving and changing and growing. Growth and change are part of our human nature.

We are all just a work in progress.

About the Author

Bonnie Knapp is an Osteopathic Manual Therapist and Registered Massage Therapist in Winnipeg. She works at and is the co-owner of Instill Therapies. To learn more about Bonnie and her services, click here