Progress Over Perfection: The Key to Building Better Habits
Let’s talk about something I’ve been reflecting on lately: progress over perfection. This concept, pulled straight from Alcoholics Anonymous, has been sitting heavy with me these past two weeks. If you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself caught in that all-or-nothing mindset—the idea that you have to do something perfectly, or it’s not worth doing at all.
Here’s the trap: perfection can paralyze us. It’s easier to avoid something altogether than risk falling short. Personally, I’ve caught myself keeping my guard up, avoiding effort because it feels safer than facing critique. But here’s the thing: that mindset only holds us back.
This idea shows up everywhere, especially in our physical fitness. How many times have you thought, “I have to go all in or it’s not worth it”? We’ve all been there. But I’m a firm believer in optimizing your systems first. I always say: commit to four hours a week. Four hours is your foundation. Once you’ve got that dialed in, you can build out from there—whether it’s gym sessions, walks, or anything else that works for you.
As J. Cole says, “There’s beauty in the struggle.” Success isn’t just about the outcome; it’s in the effort you put in day by day. When you create consistent systems and trust them, the future takes care of itself. Your body will feel better, your mind will grow stronger, and your confidence will build.
Here’s a little example from my life: I started skateboarding recently. Every day, I do five ollies and five kickflips. That’s it. I’m on day 40 out of 50, and that means 200 ollies and 200 kickflips. Before this, I couldn’t even land a kickflip. Now? I’ve landed about 30—not perfect, but that’s 30 more than I had before. Progress over perfection.
Another example: I’m writing my book every day. Just a little bit. And guess what? Every day, I get better. It’s like a miracle—the more you show up consistently, the more you grow in skill and confidence.
The same principle applies to anything: fitness, mental health, sports, writing, school, or even relationships. When you focus on building and optimizing systems, the results will come naturally. Progress isn’t about crushing it every single time—it’s about showing up, doing the work, and trusting the process.
Takeaways:
1. Commit to Progress Over Perfection: Avoid letting the fear of imperfection stop you from starting.
2. Optimize Your Systems: Commit to a baseline of four hours a week for physical health—build from there.
3. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Outcomes: The effort you put in today creates the results you’ll see tomorrow.
4. Consistency Wins: Small, daily actions compound over time, whether it’s fitness, writing, or any other skill.
Start small. Keep it simple. Focus on progress. And remember: success is in the effort, and the future will take care of itself.
