Do you have the curse of perfectionism? Nobody and nothing is perfect. Perfect is not our aim. Change the meaning of ‘perfect’ to ‘appropriate.’ What’s appropriate for YOU right now?

You are exactly where you’re supposed to be. Let go of striving for the unrealistic goal of perfection. Work to be better. There is no status quo in nature. You’re either growing or dying.

Sean Achor said “Happiness is the joy we feel striving after our potential.” We find happiness in the pursuit of our ideal in all areas: mind, body, and spirit.

Stop looking for the “best” plan. The best plan is the one you’ll stick to.

Getting better takes deliberate practice which requires focus. A great example is meditation. Meditation is the deliberate practice of mindfulness. Exercise is the deliberate practice of a healthy lifestyle. Deliberate practice also has a goal so you know what you’re working toward. You need to be fully absorbed in your practice. It’s the feeling of losing track of time rather than looking at the clock. This is why you have to find something you enjoy. You need to be intrinsically motivated. If the drive doesn’t come from within, it will not last. Do it for the enjoyment of doing it, because it matters to you. Forget about what society tell you you ‘should’ want. Forget about looking good for one day, for one event. These surface goals will not sustain you. Get clear on what matters to you. Know your ‘why.’ You have to be consistent. And you need to get feedback, whether from yourself (think journalling or tracking) or outside feedback from a coach or trainer. This allows you to celebrate your wins to keep you motivated along the way. And it allows you to course correct if needed.

In addition to working with a trainer or a coach, you need that deliberate practice on your own so you can experience that ‘feeling’ in your body, that feeling when you got it right. You can’t rely on the coach to always tell you. You need to assimilate what the coach is telling you.

Your nutrition, your fitness, your routine do not need to be ‘perfect.’ They need to be appropriate for you and your goals at this stage of your life. And you need to be consistent.