People need to hear things like this more often, I feel. Like you said, it can be daunting to see how far you are from what you want to be, allowing yourself to get caught up in the difference and fall into depression. I know I do. Smaller goals can help with this, but even then you have to know when to take a breather and appreciate the now.
Though, I admit I did choose Popplio because it had the only final evolution I liked of the three. Not that I've played in a while. I'm not a serious pokemon player but I occasionally get drawn in and dabble.