Everyday I have to remind myself that practicing self-improvment is spiritual work, going through the days doing my 'core' things is part of the practice. Days I struggle doesn't mean I'm back where I started. There are days where nothing happens, no productivity or success, and thats called balance. As long as I can recieve it, I must take my time.
My tree must root before it sprouts, and must sprout before it can fruit. And fruit and flower is a lot of energy. Energy taken from all around, so knowing where to root and when to uproot is key. Knowing when its time to shed leaves, go dormant, and weather the cold to have energy for the next spring is vital.
And any amount, every penny, every .01%. Progress is progress. No matter how slow.