The saying strive for progress not perfection has been around for a long time, however, it is not something I hear often, and as it came up in conversation the other day with my brother Sam, I could not help but be inspired to write this blog.
Aiming for perfection is almost an impossible task, however, if we concentrate on progress, we will see the results in the upcoming days, weeks, months, and years to come.
What Does Strive For Progress Not Perfection Mean?
The saying “progress, not perfection” encapsulates that the journey towards a goal is more significant than achieving flawless outcomes.
It urges individuals to prioritize continuous improvement and forward momentum over the pursuit of flawlessness, which can often be unattainable and hinder progress.
By embracing this mindset, individuals focus on taking consistent action, learning from mistakes, and making incremental advancements toward their objectives.
Ultimately, it emphasizes the value of growth and development over the quest for perfection.
- Meaning:
- Focus on making progress rather than striving for perfection.
- Explanation:
- Emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement.
- Encourages taking action and learning from mistakes.
- Highlights that perfection is often unattainable and can hinder progress.
- Example:
- Instead of aiming for flawless results, prioritize incremental advancements toward your goals.
The Pressure Of Perfect
They say “practice makes perfect,” but the pressure to achieve perfection can weigh heavily on both children and adults alike.
This pressure often becomes the determining factor between success and failure, and its long-term impact on individuals can be profound and life-altering.
The pursuit of perfection is often elusive, if not outright impossible. However, if we shift our focus to making progress in small, manageable steps toward our goals or projects, we can alleviate much of the pressure and demand placed on our bodies and minds.
By embracing the notion of progress over perfection, we create space for growth, learning, and ultimately, greater fulfillment in our endeavors.
A Little Progress not Perfection Everyday
I used to hear this a lot when budgets come up in conversation… “If you save $1 today, you are better off tomorrow than you are now.
Something is better than nothing!
If we concentrate on accomplishing something every day, we no longer sit in that stagnant position of not moving forward.
By achieving or learning something every day, we grow as a person, we grow in knowledge, and we move in an upward trend to success, not perfection.
Ways to make progress every day:
- Give up on trying to make things perfect.
- Learn, do, or save, something every day, no matter how small.
- Don’t expect instant results, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”
- Turn negative thoughts into positive ones.
- Believe in yourself, and the fact that you can learn and do anything, it just takes practice.
- Talk about progress, talk about achievements.
- Be inspired to do more, become more, and live a better lifestyle.
Before long you will be happier in life, more fulfilled, and goals or targets will be accomplished.
Progress not perfection!
Why Striving For Perfection Is Bad
If we use this blog as an example I will explain why trying to make something perfect can lead to less progress and more frustration.
If I were to sit down and write this blog with the mindset of making it perfect before I published it, I don’t think it would ever get published.
I mean, first of all, who is the person or thing to say I have written the perfect blog? no one!
There is always more information I could include.
There are always different words I can use.
There are always different images I can include.
And so on and so on…
This is why I don’t strive for perfection, and the same example can be used in almost all areas of life.
Yes, we can ace a math quiz 10/10… Perfect! but I’m not talking about math quizzes, I am talking about real-life living and accomplishing goals.
If we tackle our goals in little progressive-sized amounts, they are a lot easier to manage, and more often than not seem more accomplishable.
Using Progress As a Weapon
Using progress as a weapon to get ahead as a person or in life, is a powerful skill to have.
To use this blog as an example again:
- I have started this blog which is progress for me and my website.
- I have published this blog which is progress for me and my website.
- The blog is not perfect but I can always go back into it and edit to make it better… Progress!
Progress can be small or big and there are many forms of how we can progress forward daily.
Forms of progress that people can use:
- Money: Saving any amount of money is better than saving none. Start with $1 a day, you will see the benefits.
- Knowledge: Gain knowledge in any way, shape, or form. The internet is full of helpful information, courses, podcasts, videos etc,
- Health: Progressive steps to change one diet or fitness habits.
- Projects: Any project you want to start, start! You don’t need to get it all done now, just a little progress here and there, and all of a sudden, your project will be complete!
The Importance To Strive For Progress Not Perfection
If you learn to strive for progress not perfection, you will see the results in more ways than one.
As a person, by focusing on progress you will be progressive. You will be moving forward, and you will start to see life in a different light.
If you can make yourself progressive for just a couple of weeks, you will not only feel great, but you will reinforce the brain that you can build any lifestyle you want.
We all know how good it feels to spring clean the home.
We all feel better after a walk outside.
We all feel better when we are not stressing about money.
We all can progress forward in little steps.
Can you imagine spring cleaning the house, then going for a walk, adding $1 to a savings jar, and then settling down for the night in your tidy home?
What a progressive day! and you will feel amazing for doing so.
If we start doing this more often, or daily, we will see results fast, and this often turns into a snowball effect where the more you accomplish, the better you feel, and the better you feel, the more you accomplish.
Take Action and Get Motivated
Making progress in any area of your life will normally result in you having to make an effort to make it happen.
If you do nothing, nothing will happen.
Take action, get motivated, and start building the lifestyle you are after.
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