When someone says, “You’re working on it,” they’re probably hinting at progress or effort. Whether it’s a casual remark or a sign of accountability, your response can set the tone. The key is to reply in a way that shows you’re listening, supportive, or even offering some humour, depending on the situation. Let’s dive into responses that hit the mark!
Top List Of Ways to Reply to “You’re Working On It”
- Keep up the good work!
- Progress is progress.
- Rome wasn’t built in a day.
- You’ve got this!
- Slow and steady wins the race.
- Keep pushing forward.
- Every step counts.
- You’re closer than you think.
- The journey is half the battle.
- Focus on the end goal.
- One step at a time.
- Stay consistent.
- Success is a marathon, not a sprint.
- Take your time, but don’t stop.
- The effort is what matters.
- You’re on the right track.
- Keep grinding.
- Practice makes perfect.
- You’ll get there soon.
- Perfection takes time.
- Trust the process.
- Small progress is still progress.
- Don’t give up now.
- It’s all part of the plan.
- The best things come to those who wait.
1. Keep up the good work!
Encouraging someone by recognizing their effort can be the boost they need. This response acknowledges progress while giving them a nudge of motivation.
Examples:
- “You’ve made some real strides; keep up the good work!”
- “I see you putting in the effort; keep it going!”
- “You’re doing great—don’t stop now!”
2. Progress is progress.
Sometimes slow progress feels frustrating, but this reply reminds them that even small steps count toward the larger goal.
Examples:
- “It may seem slow, but progress is progress.”
- “Every little bit helps; progress is progress!”
- “Keep at it—progress is progress no matter the pace.”
3. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
A classic phrase that conveys patience. It reassures them that meaningful work takes time and effort.
Examples:
- “Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are great things!”
- “Don’t rush it, remember: Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
- “It takes time, just like Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
4. You’ve got this!
A short, sweet, and motivational phrase that expresses confidence in their abilities.
Examples:
- “You’ve got this; I believe in you!”
- “Don’t worry, you’ve got this!”
- “Keep going—you’ve got this under control.”
5. Slow and steady wins the race.
This phrase promotes the idea that consistency and determination beat speed.
Examples:
- “Slow and steady wins the race; you’ll get there.”
- “It’s not about speed—slow and steady wins the race.”
- “Trust the process; slow and steady wins the race.”
6. Keep pushing forward.
This response encourages resilience and steady effort, no matter how difficult the task might be.
Examples:
- “You’re doing great; just keep pushing forward.”
- “No matter what, keep pushing forward.”
- “Don’t lose sight—keep pushing forward!”
7. Every step counts.
Reminding them that every effort, no matter how small, brings them closer to their goal.
Examples:
- “Don’t forget—every step counts!”
- “It’s progress, and every step counts.”
- “Keep moving, because every step counts.”
8. You’re closer than you think.
This one is a reminder that success may be right around the corner, and persistence is key.
Examples:
- “You’re closer than you think, just keep going!”
- “Don’t stop now; you’re closer than you think.”
- “You might not realize it, but you’re closer than you think.”
9. The journey is half the battle.
Here, you’re emphasizing that the process itself is important, not just the end goal.
Examples:
- “Remember, the journey is half the battle.”
- “Embrace the process; the journey is half the battle.”
- “The journey is half the battle—keep that in mind!”
10. Focus on the end goal.
Encourage them to keep their eye on the prize and stay motivated.
Examples:
- “Don’t lose sight—focus on the end goal!”
- “Keep your eyes on the prize and focus on the end goal.”
- “It’s all about where you’re headed—focus on the end goal.”
11. One step at a time.
Remind them to break things down and take the process slowly and methodically.
Examples:
- “You’ll get there, just take it one step at a time.”
- “Don’t rush—one step at a time is all it takes.”
- “Progress happens one step at a time.”
12. Stay consistent.
Consistency is key to success, and this response highlights that message.
Examples:
- “Whatever you do, just stay consistent.”
- “Consistency is key—stay on track!”
- “You’ll see results as long as you stay consistent.”
13. Success is a marathon, not a sprint.
Remind them that long-term success requires sustained effort, not rushing.
Examples:
- “Success is a marathon, not a sprint—pace yourself.”
- “Remember, success is a marathon, not a sprint.”
- “Don’t burn out; success is a marathon, not a sprint.”
14. Take your time, but don’t stop.
Here, you’re promoting balance—taking things at a comfortable pace but not losing momentum.
Examples:
- “Take your time, but keep moving forward.”
- “Pace yourself, but don’t stop!”
- “It’s fine to go slow—just don’t stop.”
15. The effort is what matters.
Sometimes, the effort is more important than the result itself, and this response reflects that.
Examples:
- “It’s the effort that counts, and you’re doing great.”
- “What matters is the effort you’re putting in!”
- “Don’t worry about the outcome—the effort is what matters.”
16. You’re on the right track.
This is a great way to validate their progress and encourage them to keep going.
Examples:
- “You’re on the right track—keep it up!”
- “Everything looks good; you’re on the right track.”
- “No need to worry—you’re on the right track.”
17. Keep grinding.
A motivating, slangy way to encourage perseverance and effort.
Examples:
- “No breaks—keep grinding!”
- “You’re almost there—keep grinding.”
- “Stay focused and keep grinding.”
18. Practice makes perfect.
A reminder that improvement comes with continued practice and effort.
Examples:
- “Keep at it; practice makes perfect!”
- “You’re getting there—practice makes perfect.”
- “It’ll all come together—practice makes perfect.”
19. You’ll get there soon.
A reassuring phrase that suggests they’re on the verge of success.
Examples:
- “Don’t worry—you’ll get there soon.”
- “Keep going, you’ll get there soon!”
- “You’re almost there; you’ll get there soon.”
20. Perfection takes time.
This response conveys the idea that great things are worth the wait.
Examples:
- “Don’t rush it—perfection takes time.”
- “It’s okay to take your time; perfection takes time.”
- “You’ll get it just right; perfection takes time.”
21. Trust the process.
Encourage them to have faith in their effort, even if the results aren’t immediate.
Examples:
- “Just trust the process; you’re doing great.”
- “It may not seem like it now, but trust the process.”
- “Trust the process; it’s all working out.”
22. Small progress is still progress.
Even minor improvements deserve recognition, and this phrase helps highlight that.
Examples:
- “Small progress is still progress—keep it up!”
- “Don’t overlook the small wins—small progress is still progress.”
- “No matter how small, progress is progress!”
23. Don’t give up now.
Sometimes, all someone needs is a reminder to keep going, even when things get tough.
Examples:
- “You’ve come so far—don’t give up now.”
- “You’re almost there, don’t give up now!”
- “No matter how hard it seems, don’t give up now.”
24. It’s all part of the plan.
This response adds a lighthearted element, suggesting that any challenges are just steps along the way.
Examples:
- “Don’t worry, it’s all part of the plan!”
- “Everything happening now is just part of the plan.”
- “Stay calm, it’s all part of the plan.”
25. The best things come to those who wait.
Patience is a virtue, and this response reassures them that their hard work will pay off in time.
Examples:
- “Good things take time; the best things come to those who wait.”
- “It’ll be worth it—just remember the best things come to those who wait.”
- “Your efforts will pay off because the best things come to those who wait.”
Conclusion
When someone says they’re “working on it,” your response can encourage, reassure, or even motivate them to keep going. Whether it’s slow progress or steady effort, showing support with the right reply makes all the difference. So next time you hear it, you’ll be prepared with just the right words!
𝐈’𝐦 Celia Anne 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 “𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 ” 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫. 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬. 𝐈 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞. 𝐀𝐭 “𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬” 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐝𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫.
Poppy Snow 
Olivia Bloom