“It is better to begin from one’s feeble state and end up strong, to progress from small things to larger, than to set your heart from the very first on the perfect way of life, then only to abandon it later–or keep to it solely out of habit, because of what others will think–in which case your labor will be in vain…
Rather, choose a way of life that suits your feeble state; travel on that, and you will live, for your Lord is merciful and he will receive you, not because of your achievements, but because of your intentions, just as he received the destitute woman’s gift.”
Evagrius of Pontus (345-399), Christian Monk in Admonition on Prayer. ACCS II:170.