Forget Perfection

There are many reasons why people fail to achieve their goals. One of them is the ridiculous notion that we have to be "perfect," that if we don't do something "perfectly" then it's not worth doing. Hogwash! The road to your goal is not paved with perfection, nor will you be "perfect" once you get there.

I need to keep reminding myself of this, to stop thinking of having "perfect" eating or exercise days or reaching the "perfect" weight. Truth is, there simply is no such thing, as long as we're human. "Perfection" is really a range of acceptability, and when it comes to weight-loss goals, this range is a continuum along which we run high on some days and low on others. Thinking of these goals as pass or fail situations is like walking a precariously high tightrope from which you will most assuredly fall.

So don't berate yourself for having a less-controlled eating day or for failing to reach a certain number on the scale by a certain date. The important thing is that you're still working toward your goal, that you go back to eating healthfully the next day and that you are exercising for your own good health--not just to burn off that birthday cake. Count each step toward fitness as a small but significant triumph, and you'll never fail. And above all, can't we let go of this unattainable concept of perfection and realize that it's our imperfections that make us human and unique? What a relief that would be!