Aug 28 2003
By David Junno Psy.D. Many of us feel that when we do things we have to do them perfectly. This can be a big problem when we are starting something new. Even though it is unrealistic to assume we can do something new perfectly the first time, we may still get down on ourselves when we make mistakes.
How perfectionism affects making healthy choices
Our tendencies towards perfectionism can have a major impact on our efforts to make healthy choices. For example, if we start a diet we might quickly become discouraged if we are not doing it perfectly and then quit. Or we might be so intimidated by the process, because we expect ourselves to do it perfectly, that we never even start in the first place.
What if we could live imperfectly?
Say we have a program to eat a better diet and start exercising regularly. Now let's say we only followed our program about half the time. For many of us this would feel like a failure. However, following a healthier living program half the time is still better than doing it none of the time. Of course it would be better if we could do our program all of the time. But if trying to do it perfectly gets in our way of doing it at all, then wouldn't it be better to accept imperfection and at least get started. If we wait until we have a perfect plan that we are going to execute perfectly before we start, we are going to be waiting a long time. Plus, using the analogy of a car, it is much easier getting to 60 mph when we are already going 20, then it is from a dead start.
If perfectionism is getting in the way of living healthier remember, there is no hall of fame for dieters, there is no special prize or medal we get if we exercise perfectly according to plan. It is really all about doing something for us. If having perfect standards is getting in the way, then get rid of the standards and get started doing something.
So let's cut ourselves some slack and start anywhere, even if imperfectly. Remember doing a mediocre plan is still better than doing nothing.
Quotes:
A good plan violently executed right now is far better than a perfect plan executed next week.
General George S Patton
Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing perfectly.
Robert Schuller
If it's worth doing, it's worth doing badly.
G K Chesterton
For a complete program on living a healthier lifestyle go to: www.lower-high-cholesterol-ready-or-not.com and download: Lowering High Cholesterol and Reducing Your Risk of Heart Disease- READY OR NOT! Get the information you need to begin improving your health today.
Are you ready to make the changes necessary to live a healthier life? Take the Readiness to Change Quiz and find out:
Remember, having the right diet and getting enough exercise will not only improve your health- IT WILL IMPROVE YOU LIFE.
Until next time,
Dave Junno Psy.D.
