by Jeremy Huisheere, FitElite
Have you ever set a goal and the longer you thought about it, the more unattainable it became? I think it is safe to say that everyone has been in this predicament. In the fitness and wellness realm, these goals are usually connected to the chase of weight loss or an improved physique. It can be daunting when setting a long-term goal because there are so many opportunities for you to fall off track.
Let’s paint the picture of a 2018 New Year’s Resolution. You are ready to make a life change and start the journey of getting in better shape. You sit down and set a goal of losing 25 pounds. To do this, you decide you are going to quit drinking soda, stop eating added sugars, fried foods, and ice cream, cut down on carbs, increase your vegetables, start drinking more water, sleep better, and start going to the gym six days a week. The list could go on and on.
What are the chances that you are going to eat perfectly, sleep perfectly, and have a perfect gym routine every single day this year? I’ll tell you—ZERO and that is okay! Refocus yourself to nail one thing at a time.
When setting your fitness or wellness goal (or any goal for that matter), don’t dwell on perfection. If you do, you will always fail. Rather, focus on progress. At the end of your day, look yourself in the mirror and ask this one simple question, “Am I making progress?” This gives you so many opportunities to succeed. If what you are doing this week is getting you closer to your end goal, that is progress!
Will your progress come to a screeching halt if you have an off day and your nutrition is less than ideal? Absolutely not! Did going to the gym on that same day, when in the past you would have stayed home, mean you are progressing toward your end goal? Absolutely!
There is no room in the chase of progress for the crippling stress of perfection. Don’t worry about being perfect, and know that every decision is an opportunity leading you one step closer to your end goal.
If you can retrain your brain into the positive thinking of progress, you will no longer have to spend your time worrying about the imperfections that are found in everyday life situations. Treating each individual decision each day as a stepping stone in the right direction will lead to many small “wins” or “successes.” These incremental “wins” will culminate into one massive achievement—reaching your ultimate goal.
The most difficult thing about progress is that it sometimes happens at a snail’s pace. Patience is not something that comes easy for most, but those who are willing to stick it out are the ones who tend to see the greatest successes.
Be patient with your progress, be patient with yourself, and remember, perfection is not the answer. Rather ask, “Am I Making Progress?”