Progress Not Perfection

I'm sure you've heard the phrase and quite possibly have used it to shift your mindset on numerous occasions. "Progress over perfection" is a reminder that consistent forward momentum is more potent than striving for absolute perfection when it comes to reaching our goals in life.

And it can be applied to almost every scenario imaginable. Do you want to shed body fat and move better? Do you want to learn a new skill or craft? Whether you trying to build a business or the body of your dreams, it won't happen overnight, but WILL happen over time. Progress not perfection provides great motivation to continue, even when you experience set backs.

As much as I LOVE the saying, there is more to the equation when it comes to reaching your desired "end result", and even just moving toward it. I like call them the other 4 Pillars; they help strengthen the basic structure of the concept! I have used these in addition to the progress > perfection mentality, and they will provide you a better understanding and trajectory for setting your goals and accomplishing them. Let's break them down…

1. Persistence

No one talks about quitting. Or the fact that most people give up when it gets tough. Have you ever found yourself "starting over" again & again? You "fail" your diet, so you mentally throw in the towel and tell yourself you'll get "back on the wagon" Monday (or worse…next month / year/ etc). Think of the last time you learned something brand new. For some that might have been a long time ago, maybe while still in school (as a society we fail to continue to learn and grow as we age…but that’s a topic for another time). You probably took lessons or had to study for some time to gain any ground on mastering that skill or knowledge. Now imagine you gave up. Just because you didn't see progress fast enough, you found it too difficult, or you weren't as "good" as you thought you'd be. That's where persistence comes in. It is continuing in a course of action IN SPITE OF opposition; enduring and overcoming for a period of time. This is a much overlooked key part of success. Difficulty WILL come and it is an opportunity to be persistent in pursuit of our goals, dreams, & desires. Long story short? Keep going and you will get there eventually, quit and you never will.

2. Patience

This is a big one. We live in a world where we want instant gratification. We know what we want and we deserve it this instant! Now wait a minute…let's think about this a little deeper. I'm sure at some point in your life you worked your tail off to get something you desired. Maybe it's your college degree, the promotion at work, the starting position on the basketball team, getting yourself off blood pressure meds, or turning a passion project into a profitable business. Those things would be GREAT if they just happened, but how rewarding would it TRULY be without the effort and waiting it took to achieve them? Patience is a character builder for sure. It is a great way to improve your resilience when tested, get a major self confidence boost when you reach your destination, and the best way to build mental toughness in the process.

3. Positive (Mindset)

It's not always going to be sunshine and rainbows…but the storm will take you out IF you let it. We can easily succumb to negative self talk or victimhood mentality. The "why me / not me" or "I'll never be good enough" thoughts that creep in to remind you that you're never going to get there. We all have them but if you allow them to rule the majority of your thoughts, they will creep into every area of your life. Negative self talk & victimhood mentality are the easiest thing for the mind to think; it can find an external source (person or circumstance) to blame for what is happening, and not take any time to process how we may have created our current reality based on our OWN thoughts, actions, and behaviors. While self reflection is extremely hard it is also necessary. But more importantly, so is the way you are talking to yourself, about yourself. One of my favorite sayings is "You can't heal from a place of hate" and it can be applied to personal growth, physical health, and within relationships. If you can start with a positive mindset about nearly any situation, you will amplify your ability to love (yourself & others)…and love is the source of healing, growth, and transformation.

4. Process (of Evolution)

If I can say ONE THING to anyone trying to make great changes in their health, business, relationships, and life in general….it's this. IT IS A PROCESS; one that will not come easily or quickly (in most cases) but it is always worth it. The challenges faced that lead to self confidence gained. The road blocks, set backs, and hardships lead to greater perspective and an even sweeter "victory" when overcome. This is all easier said than done. When faced with adversity, trusting the process can be the last thing you want to do….do it anyway. You will learn and evolve beyond your expectations and you'll be so grateful you stuck with it.

Add these 4 pillars to the foundational principle of "Progress over Perfection" and watch the profound impact it has on your mindset and your ability to achieve anything you want in life.

**Coming soon: 5 Steps to Achieve Any Goal FREE virtual workshop. Date & time TBD