Progress over Perfection

Big goals help us stay motivated, but we gain the most from the small steps.

Perfection can be your big goal, but progress is what keeps you going.

If you, like me, are a perfectionist, stop for a second and think about how much that held you back in your life.

Perfectionism can be crippling. The aim for perfection not only sets us up for failure and disappointment but also often doesn't let us start working toward something because we likely won't be good at it at first.

As an athlete and coach, I see that happening all the time and at all levels to various degrees.

As perfectionists, we are usually also a bit of control freaks, so to deal with it, it helps to "take control" of what we can.

How do we make positive changes?

1- Set your goals. It is ok to start big, like "I want to PR a race," "I want to finish my first Ironman," or "I want to master a handstand." Then you have to work it back. What's the reasonable timespan you are setting for that goal? What smaller steps can you break down to help you move toward it? It helps to work with week, month, season, one year, three years, five years, up to life-long.

2- Reward the small steps. Reward your efforts along the way. Learn to recognize and reward the small changes and accomplishments for as little as they may seem. This will improve satisfaction, self-esteem, and motivation to keep going.

3- Practice failing. I wish I were thought this earlier in life. Failing is something to celebrate. It means you tried something new, and now you have more information to be successful the next time you attempt. Challenge yourself to fail at something every day and compliment yourself for doing so: it will shift your mindset, and you'll be surprised how much more curious and courageous you'll be!

4- A setback doesn't mean it's all over. Even though today didn't go as planned, tomorrow can still be a success.

5- Take into account the whole, not only your fitness level. Be compassionate with yourself and aim for balance in life, family, and work. Your health and fitness will improve, and training will be easier and more effective.

6- You are today's you. We are not who we have been. Be honest with who you are and where you are right now in your life. Your big goals will be the same, but the small steps to achieve them start from the today-you. So being honest about who we are in the present moment is key to setting the correct path to success.

So write down your goals, set your intentions, make a plan of new things to try and fail at, take a look at yourself and your life and see what areas require a change. Write down what rewards you'll give yourself for each step achieved.

Stop letting perfectionism hold you back or turn you into your own worse critic. Start doing and value the small accomplishments along the way!