People get into an “all or nothing” mindset, especially around the new year. For many, this all or nothing attitude starts at the beginning of a new endeavor. For example.. “I’ll start working out after the Holidays”, “I’ll start when work slows down”, “I’ll consider it when the kids are back at school”, and the list continues.
The idea is that there will be a “perfect” time to start, when there can be little distraction or deviation from the routine or plan. This mindset often backfires. Because life isn’t perfect, and as soon as there is deviation from the routine, people throw in the towel all together. Because if we can’t do it perfectly, why do it at all? This creates an unhealthy cycle of stopping and waiting for the next “perfect” time to start, which ultimately leads to little success and an idea in your head that the plan won’t and can’t work.
What’s the solution?
Start NOW. Don’t wait for the perfect time. Let it be imperfect and do it anyway. Miss a workout? Go the next day. Starting a new job with a crazy schedule? Great – now’s the time to start planning ahead. Get a little off track? Regroup. But don’t quit. And don’t wait. Remember, we're in this for the long haul. This is about making long term lifestyle changes, not about losing 15 pounds in 4 weeks. Feeling good and moving well versus looking good. Remember WHY you're doing it.
Embrace imperfection. Success is hardly ever a straight line. Start NOW and let go of any expectation that results will happen overnight. Trust the process.