Why is adopting a progress over perfection mindset important?
I can hear the tumble of the dryer in the background as I write this. It’s time for laundry … again.
The Oreo Problem: Why ‘Done’ Doesn’t Exist
When I was much younger, Phyllis Diller (comedienne) said that keeping a house clean while you raise children is like brushing your teeth while you eat an Oreo. I loved that attitude; it gave me permission to not care too much about a clean house. Honestly, I just couldn’t fight four other humans plus two or more animals to keep things in their place and clean. I succumbed to the resignation that we wouldn’t live in a featured house for Home & Garden magazine. Now that I am retired … I think I may have to face the music. Sigh.
But, I think laundry is similar to the Oreo analogy. It never feels “done” because there is new stuff already collecting (the clothes we are currently wearing). Sigh. I’ve come to a point of peace with these things, but it has made me move my finish line.
Shifting Your Mindset: Better Than Yesterday Beats Perfect Tomorrow
I know I cannot focus on the “done” part of the job because then I will go nuts. Since it feels impossible to ever reach the goal, I have opted to approach it differently. I tend to see both the house cleaning and the laundry as “better than yesterday” mentality now. It prevents me from the inevitable anguish of the exact same chore re-appearing on my to-do list before I have completely finished it.
So, as I look backward to see accomplishment rather than looking forward to an achieved goal – I have satisfaction and achievement. It puts my focus on healthy lifestyle progress instead of completion or perfection. This progress over perfection mindset has transformed how I approach everything in my life.
Breaking Free from Diet Mentality: Choices, Not Judgments
If we have dieted much, we spent most of our time in a mindset that celebrated the number and reaching the goal. There was very little, if any, acknowledgment for the positive changes underway. I was just told, “You’re not there yet … keep going!” It felt overwhelming since I had more than just a few more pounds to lose.
This kind of weight loss mindset shift is crucial for long-term success. Like laundry and cleaning, we have to adjust our attitude about our healthier lifestyle. We have to look backward to see all the ways we are changing and improving. We need to identify and acknowledge the different choices, altered mindset, and new practices that support sustainable lifestyle changes. Even if some old patterns appear, I can reset and move forward.
It makes complete sense that I would return to familiar habits … many have some pretty ingrained attitudes and behavior attached. But, since I am not looking forward to some “perfect” place to land, I can accept progress over perfection.
This adjustment keeps my mindset focused on accomplishment, self-efficacy, and power. It also supports my new attitude that meals and movement choices – are just that. Choices. Neither good nor bad, right nor wrong, or on nor off. Just choices. Some of my choices support my long-term goals, but sometimes my choices are focused on more immediate circumstances.
Progress Over Perfection: Three Ways to Acknowledge Your Success
Celebrating small wins is essential for maintaining motivation and building momentum. So, take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back for at least THREE new things you have done that support a healthier lifestyle. Did you wait for hunger? Did you serve a smaller portion or leave food behind on your plate? Did you slow down? See … you’re doing the stuff. You got this!!
Remember, adopting a progress over perfection mindset means recognizing that every positive choice matters, even when it doesn’t feel perfect. Your healthy lifestyle progress is happening one decision at a time.
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