I think "personal best" is the way to go.
As an example: if I walk to and from the mailbox without having to stop - that is a good effort for me.
If I compare myself to a "less than four-minute mile" runner - I'm not doing so well.
But if I compare myself to not moving at all, then going to the mailbox was a good thing.
I think the same principle applies to a lot of activities, including quilting.