Rethinking Perfection in a Time of Uncertainty
As I sat with my colored pens, redoing my “food and fitness” journal, I couldn’t help but think about the importance of aesthetics in our daily lives. The original intent was to share my journal with the world, but it wasn’t up to par. The inconsistent and unappealing manner in which I had been tracking my habits wasn’t something I was proud to share. That’s when I stumbled upon a piece of advice that has stuck with me: “How you do anything is how you do everything.”
The Pressure to Be Perfect
This phrase has lingered in my mind, making me question my daily habits. Am I doing things shittily just because no one is looking? Is my imperfect journal a reflection of my overall outlook on life? The pressure to be perfect can be overwhelming, especially when we’re stuck at home with nothing but our thoughts.
The Importance of Accountability
For me, having a high level of accountability is crucial. I need to be accountable to someone or something to stay on track. Whether it’s a workout group or a friend to report to, having someone to answer to keeps me motivated. But what about when no one is looking? Do we still hold ourselves accountable?
Good Enough vs. Perfect
The truth is, we’re not always going to be motivated to do things for the right reasons. Sometimes, we just need to get by. That’s where the concept of “good enough” comes in. It’s not about striving for perfection; it’s about doing what needs to be done. I’ve been doing my laundry on a desperation basis lately, and if I only consume a few pieces of candy a day, that’s good enough.
Focusing on Momentum
The most effective way to accumulate personal accomplishments or good habits is to focus on the momentum of small victories. Sometimes, that means setting the bar lower so we don’t feel like failures. If today’s “workout” is just a quick walk around the neighborhood, that’s better than nothing. Give yourself credit for the small wins, and let them build behind you.
Embracing Imperfection
How we do anything is not a reflection of how we do everything. We all do things imperfectly, and that’s okay. What matters is finding what works for us and getting the job done, even if it’s not perfect. So, go ahead and give yourself that star for “exercised today.” You never know, it might just be the momentum you need to keep going.
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