Self-monitoring makes behavior observable. Tracking does not need to be elaborate. A check mark, tally or streak can make progress visible before the larger outcome appears.

Harkin et al. (2016)
A meta-analysis found that monitoring goal progress was associated with improved goal attainment, with stronger effects when progress was physically recorded or made public.
Psychological Bulletin, 142(2), 198–229.

Michie et al. (2009)
Self-monitoring is a recurring behavior-change technique in interventions targeting physical activity and healthy eating.
Health Psychology, 28(6), 690–701.

Evidence supports monitoring as a useful technique, not as a guarantee of success in every context.