On the way to babysitting this morning I heard a familiar phrase, but one I needed to hear again, “Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”
As I reflected on my habits I acknowledged that it’s hard for me to do something half way. It’s usually all or nothing at all, and lately it’s been more of nothing when it comes to adopting healthy eating habits.
In theory I’ve jumped aboard the MAHA train, but the engine is having trouble leaving the station.
My “all or nothing” mentality has become a deterrent, and is holding me back. The Japanese have a philosophy known as Kaizen. In his book One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way by Robert Maurer, Kaizen is defined as: “…a Japanese philosophy that emphasizes continuous improvement through small, incremental changes.”
In other words there is power in small steps. I want to embrace this idea. Rather than set myself up for continual failure I want to strive for continuous improvement in small ways.
An example of this might be swapping out one unhealthy snack for a healthier option. Getting up and moving each hour is another example of a small step.
The other consideration is that I’m no longer in my thirties,forties, or even fifties. I’m at the back end of my sixties, and the expectation I have may be unrealistic for the age that I am. Maybe I’m allowing the “perfection enemy” to win.
I’ve recently read a book by Joyce Myers about aging. She addresses the idea of a new normal, and how accepting and adapting to this is the wiser choice.
I’m tired of beating myself up, and constantly feeling like I’m losing the battle. At this point it seems easier to just give up. However, I know in my heart of hearts I would not be happy with this choice.
Maurer reminds us that, “…taking small manageable steps can lead to remarkable results over time. This approach reduces the feeling of overwhelm and makes change more accessible.”
I think the concept of results happening over a period of time is somewhat foreign to me. I want immediate results or I throw my hands up in defeat.
Here is a place where Carol Dweck’s growth mindset comes into play. Embracing growth and development as a life choice will inevitably result in a more fulfilling life.
Also focusing more on the process than the result probably is the best course of action. In actuality you may even have to adjust your goal as you go along. What you first envisioned as possible might end up being unrealistic for your present circumstances.
However, those small changes that you do accomplish should be celebrated. In doing so your motivation can remain steady as you continue along your journey.
How are you with small step wins? Have you allowed perfection to get in the way of the good?
“Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.” William Shakespeare
