Done Is Better Than Perfect

I love Sheryl Sandberg's quote from her book "Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead". I think it can be applied to many areas of life.

"Done is better than perfect."

Humans have this innate quality in them that we want to get things just right. It HAS to be perfect or it is no good.

I have fallen trap to that in the past, especially with writing. And as you can tell if you have read a few of my e-mails these are far from perfect. 

I spell things wrong, grammar is a vague concept to me, I throw commas out at random, and I don't always get my point across crystal clearly.

But I've been writing e-mails about health and fitness tips for about 14 years. That's over 2100 e-mails! 

Not one perfect e-mail in there, but I've had some pretty darn good ones over the years that have changed lives. All because I was willing to go forward and not be caught up in all the things that used to hold me back.

This happens with people's workouts too. They think because they don't have an hour or two each day to workout they might as well not start.

This happens a lot to people who are used to being in great shape, but life happens (injuries, family, job, etc...) and they are no longer in tip-top shape.

A 5 or 10-minute workout finished is far superior to the expertly designed but never started workout. A little bit of something beats a whole lot of nothing every day.

And in a similar vein, there are those days when you feel like you just have to grind through the workout. 

It's not much fun and you aren't going to set any personal records, but you punched the clock and that is what matters. 

That is a win.

Dan John has what he calls The Rule of Five. He found out of 5 workouts he will have:

-1 really awesome one

-1 really awful one

-3 of the punch the clock variety

Every workout doesn't have to be an amazing one. Focus on just making it to the workout. 

Keep the habit going.

Because most of the time you will find once you start the workout you are fine. As the old saying goes, "The heaviest weight at the gym is the front door."

I always say just show up and let the magic happen. No matter how you feel.

Show up, do your best you can that day, repeat. 

Don't get caught in the perfection trap. That's a road that leads to nowhere.

Keep showing up,

-Joe

PS- Whenever you are ready, here are three ways I can help you on your journey.

1. Positivity Out Loud

My book is now available as an audiobook! ---->Relentless Positivity

2. Do you need a Jump Start

Do you feel stuck and not sure where to even start? I would love to tell you about a special program I have to get you back on track toward reaching your goals for the year. If this is you, please reply and type Jump Start.

3. Core Workout Book

Getting your core stronger can not only make you look more toned, but it will also help alleviate back pain. I've put together a book of basic, but effective core exercises you can do at home with no equipment.

If you would like a complimentary copy please reply to this e-mail and type Core.

#sherylsandberg #danjohn #perfectionism #juststart #motivation #unstuck