In my last podcast episode, I talked about celebrating the small wins. The responses I received from that conversation were really encouraging — it reminded me how important it is to pause and notice those small moments of progress.
Today I want to continue that conversation, because sometimes something gets in the way of celebrating those small wins.
Sometimes we miss them.
And often the reason we miss them is because progress doesn’t always look like progress.
The Expectation of Big Progress
As caregivers, professionals, or family members, we are often looking for big changes. We look for independence. We look for tasks being completed. We look for obvious improvement.
But in occupational therapy, we learn that progress often happens in very small steps. And sometimes those steps are easy to miss if we are moving too quickly.
The Power of Observation
One of the most important tools in my toolbox as an occupational therapist is observation.
Sometimes when I am working with caregivers or consulting with staff, they notice me standing back quietly for a few moments. They may wonder why I am not immediately jumping in. But that moment of observation is incredibly valuable.
When I observe, I am paying attention to many things — what is the individual noticing? What are they paying attention to? What are they interacting with? I am also watching their body language, their movement, and their tolerance for support. Sometimes those observations tell us that progress is already happening.
The Person at the Doorway
Here is an example I often share.
When working with a group, sometimes we notice an individual standing near the doorway. They are not fully joining the activity, but they are not leaving either.
When that happens, I will often say to the caregivers in the room — let’s just wait. Don’t rush over. Don’t immediately try to pull them in. Just observe.
Because what that individual may be doing is watching and deciding. They are noticing what is happening. They are gathering information.
And many times, if we allow that space and that time, something really interesting happens.
They initiate.
Maybe they step closer. Maybe they reach toward the table. Maybe they move just a little bit further into the room.
To someone else, that moment might look like someone simply standing in the doorway. But when we slow down and observe, we realize that progress was happening right there.
The Gift of Time and Choices
Another example involves offering choices. Sometimes we give choices very quickly — “Do you want this or this?” — and expect an immediate response.
But for many individuals, especially those with communication challenges or cognitive differences, they need time. Time to process. Time to look. Time to consider.
When they do make a choice, whatever that choice is, we acknowledge it and go with it. That moment of choosing is participation. It is communication. And sometimes that moment IS the progress.
A Personal Reflection — And a Little Book News!
This topic is actually very close to my heart right now in a personal way.
Years ago, I created a set of Zentangle alphabet letters. I used them, I loved them — but I never put them all together. They just sat there. For years.
To anyone looking in, nothing was happening. No progress.
But recently I realized — that was progress all along! Those letters were waiting for the right moment. And that moment has finally arrived.
I am so excited to share that my new book, Alphabet Zentangle: An A-Z Coloring and Reflection Book, is now available on Amazon! Each letter has a Zentangle page to color and a journaling prompt for reflection. It is a book you can truly make your own.
Sometimes progress doesn’t look like progress — until suddenly it does.
If you missed my previous blog post all about Alphabet Zentangle, go take a look! I shared the full story behind the book and a peek at some of the pages: Read it here
And if you are ready to grab your copy, you can find it on Amazon right here: Find It on Amazon
A Thought to Carry With You
Progress doesn’t always arrive in big, obvious ways. Sometimes it is quiet. Sometimes it is someone watching from the doorway. Sometimes it is a small choice made after a moment of waiting.
When we slow down enough to observe and notice, we may realize that progress has been happening all along.
Keep noticing the small moments.
Keep celebrating the quiet wins.
Because those small steps often lead to the biggest possibilities.