Embracing the Power of “Good Enough”
A More Realistic Approach to Achieving Your Goals
When it comes to setting goals and making progress, many of us fall into the trap of all-or-nothing thinking. We either go all in, dedicating every waking moment to our objectives, or we give up entirely, convinced that our efforts aren’t good enough. But what if there was a middle ground? What if “good enough” was, well, good enough?
The Beauty of Small Wins
My husband and I have been taking 40-minute walks every morning for several months now. It’s not a marathon, but it’s better than nothing. And that’s the key. By setting achievable, manageable goals, we’ve created a sustainable habit that brings us a sense of accomplishment and sets us up for success.
The Pitfalls of Perfectionism
I’m not a naturally driven person. I don’t have a strong desire to climb the corporate ladder or achieve perfection in every aspect of my life. But I do have a tendency to procrastinate, even when it comes to activities I enjoy. So, when I sit down to write and only manage to eke out a paragraph or two, I consider it a win. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than nothing.
Finding Flexibility in Fitness
Exercise is another area where perfectionism can hold us back. We might think we need to spend hours at the gym or run a certain number of miles to make it count. But what if we redefine what constitutes a workout? A 10-minute YouTube video or a few sets of bodyweight exercises can be just as effective, and it’s certainly better than nothing.
The Power of Incremental Progress
Whether it’s fitness, creative projects, domesticity, or saving money, the key is to focus on incremental progress rather than perfection. By taking small steps towards our goals, we build momentum and create sustainable habits. And when we do slip up, we don’t give up; we simply acknowledge that it’s better than nothing and keep moving forward.
Breaking Free from All-or-Nothing Thinking
So, how can you start embracing the power of “good enough”? Start by identifying what’s important to you and finding ways to make progress, no matter how small. Take a 10-minute walk instead of a 30-minute run. Write one paragraph instead of a thousand words. Save $5 instead of $50. It may not be perfect, but it’s better than nothing. And who knows? You might just find that it’s enough to get you started on the path to success.
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