I get what you mean, Art.

I recently had something similar, where I knew it would be a bad idea to respond in a certain way, yet I did it anyway.

I think that happens because my habit energy is stronger than my awareness at those times. So though I was aware, I went ahead and caved by giving in to familiar patterns.

Why'd I'd consider that a baby step in the right direction is because even though I had the clarity to not do the thing I ended up doing, I could have had no clarity at all.

Awareness is a process, and you see what it's really made of when it comes up against engrained habits, like wanting to be right, which was exactly what I gave into.

I just think baby steps aren't always easy to see. Sometimes they are buried in a failure and out of sight... but there are still there.

Even the smallest bit of awareness is a plus, and can be grown and strengthened over time, until eventually it calms the craving of a habit, no matter how strong or engrained it may be.

At least that's how I look at it.

Again man, I don't mean to come off preachy here, I just love the topic of mindfulness haha I could talk about it all day.

I hope you are doing well with all this though!