Why You Keep Putting Off Health & Fitness Goals and What To Do About It
When’s the last time you put off a new health or fitness goal because you felt you needed to wait for the “perfect” plan or circumstances? If you’re like most people, searching for ideal conditions prevents many fitness endeavours from ever getting off the ground. But what if perfectionism is the very thing holding you back?
This article explores a more sustainable, compassionate mindset – one of progress over perfection. Let’s discover how small, imperfect steps done consistently can transform your health and fitness approach. Are you ready to silence your inner critic, get started on your goals, and commit to lifelong progress? Let’s dive in.
Imperfect steps done consistently can transform your health and fitness approach
Examining the Myth of the Perfect Start
Be honest – how often have you delayed starting a new workout routine or diet because you felt you needed to wait for the “right” time? The perfect program, flawless schedule, or expert guidance? It’s easy to believe we require ideal conditions before embarking on any fitness journey. But this insistence on perfection is precisely what prevents forward motion.
Take a moment to reflect. Is there a health or fitness goal you’ve put on hold because you felt the need to wait for the perfect moment or plan? How did this hold you back?
Here’s the reality – there will never be a perfect time to begin. There is only this moment, right here, right now. Waiting for the stars to align sets you up for stagnation rather than growth. As the saying goes, don’t let perfect become the enemy of good.
So how can you move forward today in an imperfect world? Start with one small, manageable step that suits your current life and schedule. Tiny gains made now beat grand plans postponed indefinitely every time.
Identifying Your First Small Step Forward
Instead of seeking the ultimate fitness regimen right away, ask yourself – what’s one tiny habit I could integrate into my normal routine today to become a little more active and healthy?
Maybe it’s a 10-minute walk, doing 5 squats while you brush your teeth, swapping soda for herbal tea, or meal prepping breakfast for tomorrow. Start with whatever microscopic habit appeals to you and feels utterly manageable.
Are you thinking: That seems too easy? Don’t underestimate the butterfly effect of small, consistent actions. A mere 10 minutes of walking daily plants the seeds of momentum for increased fitness down the road.
What’s one small, imperfect step you can take today to evolve your health and fitness habits?
The Power of Imperfect Consistency
Here’s an empowering mindset shift when it comes to consistency: It’s not about never missing a workout or sticking to your diet 100% of the time. True consistency means doing your chosen healthy habits regularly, despite life’s inevitable ups and downs.
For example, if you workout vigorously four days per week, you’re consistent even if you miss one periodically. Don’t let a skipped gym session derail your whole routine. Simply resume your regular schedule the next day, with self-compassion rather than criticism.
Imperfect consistency also means giving yourself permission to have an occasional indulgent treat, a day off from tracking calories, or a rest day when you just need extra sleep. Then you gently return focus when you’re ready.
How can you redefine consistency in a flexible, self-loving way? What’s one simple method for getting back on track after a break or “slip”?
Framing Fitness as an Infinite Game
Here’s an uplifting perspective shift: Stop viewing health and fitness goals as finite games you either win or lose. Instead, see them as infinite games requiring lifelong learning and growth. You can’t ever “win” perfect health and fitness, but you can endlessly enrich your life through the journey.
When have you viewed a fitness endeavour as a rigid pass/fail scenario in the past, rather than a lifelong journey of betterment? How would reframing exercise and nutrition as infinite games change your mindset?
Focusing on Authentic Commitment
You don’t need dramatic gestures or hard-core intensity to prove your commitment. True commitment builds gradually through small, steady actions done daily.
For instance, simply commit to drinking two more glasses of water today. Or commit to doing light yoga for 10 minutes before bed. Start with realistic habits that add enrichment, then repeat them with focus. Tiny steps done with conviction swell into massive transformation.
What’s one small act of self-care you can authentically commit to today to elevate your health? How could doing this daily or weekly instil meaningful change?
Why Progress Trumps Perfection
Ultimately, sustainable health and fitness are about progress, not perfection. They involve:
- Showing up as you are instead of waiting for conditions to be perfect
- Using what resources and time you have rather than wishing for more
- Taking small, imperfect steps consistently versus giant leaps inconsistently
- Celebrating baby steps forward instead of criticizing inadequate progress
You alone get to define what progress looks like for your unique health and fitness path. What would it mean for you to embrace more self-compassion and celebrate small wins?
How to Make Gradual Progress Your Goal
Steady progress comes down to these key ingredients:
- Start where you are – begin with an imperfect micro habit today
- Do what you can – focus on tiny gains done consistently
- Improve bit by bit – build momentum with baby steps
- Adapt as needed – change plans in alignment with your needs and life
- Repeat daily – create lifelong fitness through simple repetition
- Forgive slip-ups – be compassionate if you miss a day; just resume anew
By committing to tiny improvements through simple repetition, you build unstoppable momentum. Before you know it, those small steps morph into transformations beyond what you imagined possible.
What micro habit will you start today to take the first step toward progress? How can you recommit tomorrow?
You now hold the keys for a more joyful, lifelong approach to health and fitness – one free of perfectionism. Your journey starts the moment you decide to begin – wherever you’re at, using whatever time you have available. With consistent action comes evolution.
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If you are interested in improving your health and wellness, check out other resources such as Our Blog, Free Resources and/or join our private Body-Mind Transformation Secrets Community on Facebook, and The 360 Transformation Blueprint Podcast on Spotify and go on an even deeper dive with me to uncover how to succeed in your health and wellness goals.
You may also be interested in our Sleep Secrets Cheat Sheet. It is a great resource with strategies to fix and optimize your sleep which is crucial to succeeding in your health and wellness goals.
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