010: Progress Over Perfection

HELP and ADVICE NEEDED!

"Progress over Perfection." This has been my mantra for the past three weeks, ever since I publicly wrote that my 2022 goal was to STRETCH myself - 15 minutes of workout, 15 minutes of reading, 15 minutes of mindfulness.

I am self-aware enough to know that self-management (particularly goal-setting) is not among my areas of SEL strength. Nevertheless, I set goals that I believe are reasonable and attainable. So how can I make excuses for not doing something for "ONLY" 15 minutes a day?

James Clear has stated, "The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision."

 I've been using a digital habit tracker on my phone for the first time. This has proven incredibly beneficial for me because I can see patterns in my ability to reach my STRETCH goals. In the past, when I've worked towards goals, I never monitored the progress I WAS making… only focused on what I WAS NOT getting done. By recording and monitoring my work, I celebrate my progress and have noticed patterns in my behaviors. I meditate after 3-4 hours of intensive focus work around noon, preparing me for the meetings or creative work in the afternoon. I find that I most like to read at night before I fall asleep.

Evidence-based goal-setting models recommend that one dedicate time to forecast obstacles to achievement progress. I ENJOY reading and meditating, so there aren't many obstacles or challenges to overcome; it takes minimal persuasion for me to do those tasks.

Exercise and physical movement? Now, this is a WHOLE different story!

I have very little coordination or rhythm, so when I am moving, I have to focus on HOW my body moves, and I lose the ability to think deeply. (I will share that ten years ago, I set a goal to finish a Tough Mudder - and ended up participating in three of them! So I know it is not that my body CAN'T do it; I am my barrier to success.)

Because I won't CHOOSE to exercise on my own, I need to establish a better system to anticipate the obstacles I create that prevent me from progressing. For example, I am not FEELING it right now; I HAVE to shower and get ready for a meeting; I NEED a few more minutes of sleep. Telling myself that it is ONLY 15 minutes is not enough.

HELP NEEDED! What changes have you made to overcome obstacles (real or perceived) so you can continue to make progress towards your goals? How do you/have you moved forward with single, tiny decisions that evolve into long-lasting habits?