How Does Perfection Ruin Your Fitness?

I was 8 feet in the air painting our gutters yesterday when a quote I heard on a podcast stopped me in my tracks:

“Perfection is the lowest standard you can set.”

I hit the “go back 15 seconds” button and listened to it again.

“Perfection is the lowest standard you can set.”

Dang.

How can that be?

Won’t we go further, accomplish more, and be more successful at whatever we’re trying to do if we never mess up?

Wouldn’t perfection be the highest standard to reach for?

Nope, because it’s impossible to attain.

Tell me if this has ever happened to you.

It’s Monday.

You’re motivated.

New week, new you.

You’re going to work out 3, maybe 4 times this week.

Cut out the junk, focus on your sleep, get your steps, and finally do the dang thing.

Monday ✅

Tuesday ✅

Wednesday ✅

So far, you’re perfect.

Thursday (missed your workout) ❌

Uh oh.

The streak is broken (aka - you weren’t perfect)

Friday ❌

Saturday ❌❌

Sunday ❌❌

Being perfect was impossible, so as soon as you slip up, you give up.

I’ve been through this cycle more times than I’d like to admit.

It’s depressing.

So this week, instead of setting the low standard of perfection, let’s set a higher standard.

When we hit one of those ❌’s, let’s agree to “never miss twice”, and make the next choice a “✅”.

Not only is perfection not possible, it’s also not a requirement to get in great shape.

Jonathan