Why consistency means being imperfect and restarting.
Welcome back to the blog In the Pursuit of Wellness, as we trudge the road to a happy destiny, together, through our commitment to growth.
This week is about what to do when we fall off the wagon and how to navigate the relationship we have with perfectionism.
This mindset shift that can truly transform the way we approach life. It's all about embracing the willingness to restart and understanding that true consistency is far more valuable than striving for perfection.
Perfectionism
We set high expectations for ourselves and beat ourselves up when we fall short. But here's the truth: perfection is an illusion. It is an unattainable standard that can leave us feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, and stuck in a cycle of self-doubt. It is also a coping mechanism that we think can protect us from being vulnerable or hurt.
If I am perfect then no one can judge me.
This limiting belief serves no one. Not you, not those around you. Let it go.
Instead of fixating on perfection, let's shift our focus to the willingness to restart. Life happens on life's terms, and we all make mistakes along the way. It's not about avoiding failure; it's about how we respond to it. Embracing the willingness to restart means acknowledging our missteps, learning from them, and moving forward with renewed determination.
All of this self-development work stems from vulnerability. Without vulnerability failure is the end of the world and perfectionism is our saviour. It is not human, though. We must be open to the truth that there is always room for improvement. We are never the finished product. We are flawed. But we are determined!
Consistency is the key that unlocks the door to progress. It's about showing up, day after day, even when things get tough. Consistency doesn't mean we'll never stumble or encounter setbacks. And it doesn't mean that we won't have an off day where we are, uhum, inconsistent. It means that when we do, we pick ourselves up and keep going. It means recognising that each restart is an opportunity for growth and improvement.
The greatest success stories are built on a foundation of failures.
It is really stating the obvious to say that Michael Jordan is one of the greatest basketball players of all time… but did you know he was actually cut from his high school varsity basketball team? And did he give up? Did he believe that basketball was not for him after this set back? No. You know what happened next.
Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first television job as a news anchor, and her talk show in Chicago was a bit of a flop. But our girl persevered, constantly reinventing herself and her show. Her resilience paid off, and, as they say, the rest is history.
So, how can we utilise this mindset in our own lives?
Embrace imperfection: Let go of the need to be perfect and instead embrace your flaws and mistakes. They are stepping stones to growth and learning. That also means being comfortable with being vulnerable. Hard, but worth it.
Cultivate self-compassion: Be kind to yourself when you stumble. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer a close friend. Remember that restarting is a part of the process.
Learn from setbacks: Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Reflect on what went wrong, identify the lessons, and apply them to future endeavours.
Take small, consistent steps: Progress is made through consistent action. Break down your goals into manageable tasks and commit to taking small steps every day.
Surround yourself with support: Build a network of like-minded individuals who can provide encouragement and accountability. Share your journey with them, celebrate your restarts, and cheer each other on.
Remember, life is a marathon, not a sprint. It's not about reaching some unattainable state of perfection; it's about the willingness to restart and consistently moving forward.
Embrace each restart as an opportunity for growth, and you'll find yourself on a fulfilling and transformative journey.
Wishing you the courage to keep trying and the strength to stay consistent in your pursuit of greatness. If I can have the honour of supporting you on this journey then sign up to the waitlist for the next SOAR programme.
