Core Performance: Progress, Not Perfection
Progress, Not Perfection
“Progress, not perfection” is an often-used phrase in recovery circles. Its origin is the 12-step program of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). It has also been used by many motivational speakers. But the importance of these words could resonate as a kind of mantra for everyone dealing with change.
It’s easy to get hung up when trying to find the best plan for change: which diet will get you to your goals, which workout will build the most strength, which supplements will remedy your health, etc. We get so focused on figuring out the perfect approach that our progress is circling the drain before we even get started.
Enter perfectionism - the psychological barrier that none of us are immune to. It’s the irrational fear that you might fail at something and ultimately be judged for not being perfect. This problem manifests itself in self sabotage and procrastination. “I’m not ready yet” is the story we tell ourselves every damn time.
The mantra “Progress, not perfection” is about taking consistent action and moving forward, no matter what. So if you’re sick and tired of coming up with excuses as to why you won’t succeed at reaching a goal, here are some ways to make room for progress and override perfection.
Be willing to start small. If you want to run a marathon, you have to start by running a mile. No matter what your goal, you cannot accomplish anything without a solid foundation. Instead of making an all-or-nothing plan to overhaul your lifestyle, start by setting small habits that easily fit into your current lifestyle. Which leads us to #2.
Start with repetitions, not goals. In other words, when you think about your goals, don’t just consider the outcome you want. Focus on the habits that lead to that place and set yourself up for mini successes along the way. Keep it simple and doable so you can be consistent.
Commit to ONE habit every morning. My father, a retired sergeant for the army, would always use the military slogan, “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.” Just by committing to one morning habit, you will train your brain for productivity for the rest of your day.
Start BEFORE you are ready. There is never a ‘right time’ to do something. If you want to make any progress toward your ideal vision of wellness, you’ve got to take action.
The bottom line is not every day will go as planned. It’s knowing that it may be a messy process, but you are jumping in anyway. The good news is change can happen when you have the right support system in place. That’s how I coach my clients - we make one small change and conquer it. Then we make another, etc.
Everyone wants to make progress, and there is only one way to do it: take action. And feel free to use the mantra, “Progress not perfection” anytime you feel stuck or afraid.
Kim Duke is a certified personal trainer and owner of Core Performance Fitness and Training, located at 55 Bristol Lane, Ellicottville, NY. Kim resides in Ellicottville where she raised her two sons, Zach and Nik. For more information about her studio visit her Facebook page or www.coreperformancefitness.com. Kim can be reached directly at 716-698-1198.
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