The Power of Small Wins

Some mornings feel heavy before the day even starts, not because you didn’t sleep, but because you’re already carrying so much internally. This is something many individuals seeking therapy share: the feeling of being emotionally tired before the day even begins.

You know what you want to change. You’ve thought it through countless times. You’ve told yourself this will be the week, saved inspiring quotes, listened to podcasts, and read advice that made sense… at least in theory.

But when you look at how far you feel from where you want to be, it can feel overwhelming. So you pause. You wait.

You wait for more motivation. For the “right” mindset. For a version of yourself that feels more prepared. And without realizing it, nothing shifts.

What often creates change isn’t a dramatic breakthrough or a sudden surge of discipline. In therapy, especially individual therapy in Vaughan, growth usually starts with something much quieter.

A short walk when staying in felt easier. Sending a message you almost talked yourself out of. Setting a boundary — gently, imperfectly. These moments are easy to dismiss, but they matter. Because they create movement. And even slow, uneven movement helps rebuild trust with yourself — something we often focus on in counselling and psychotherapy.

Many people believe they’re falling behind, when in reality they’re exhausted from holding themselves to impossible standards. Clients often share that they feel pressured to “do more” or “be better,” without realizing how much effort they’re already putting in.

We tend to measure progress by big milestones, and when we don’t reach them quickly, we assume we’re failing. We forget that showing up at all takes effort.

In therapy, slowing down is often intentional. Not because growth should stop — but because real, sustainable change happens when pressure is replaced with safety. In therapy here at STAR, this means creating space to explore the patterns that make follow-through difficult: self-criticism, all-or-nothing thinking, and the belief that if something isn’t done perfectly, it doesn’t count.

Healing rarely comes from pushing harder. It comes from learning how to keep going without abandoning yourself along the way. You don’t need a perfect plan.You don’t need to feel fully ready.You don’t need to do everything today.

One small step is enough — especially when you don’t have to take it alone. Working with a therapist in Vaughan can help you take those steps in a way that feels supportive, not overwhelming.

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