How Embracing Imperfection Helped Me Get in the Best Shape Of My Life
- Dec 15, 2016
- 3 min read
For years I struggled to lose weight and get in shape.
I set goals I never reached, started diets I never finished, and spent way too much time beating myself up for not my lack of discipline and willpower.
I was struggling and thought I was the only one who couldn’t finish what I started. I assumed that everyone who was fit/slim/healthy stuck to their diets 100% of the time, exercised every day, and never messed up.
I would start a new diet and inevitably mess up within the first few days which led me to throw in the towel altogether. The same was true for my workouts. I would set a goal to do cardio “x” amount of times per week and when I skipped a workout within the first week I considered it a failure.
And then when I “failed”, I’d go weeks without doing anything until I was so disgusted with my body and laziness that I would set another intention to “start again on Monday”.
After years of feeling frustrated, disappointed, and discouraged, I decided that I had had enough. I read the quote “insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” and knew something had to change.
I scaled back my expectations, allowed myself to skip workouts, and started focusing on eating healthy foods 80% of the time, and my body began to change.
As it turns out, it wasn’t the failed diet and missed workouts that were holding me back from seeing results – it was my mindset.
The “all or nothing” mentality (or belief that I had to do things perfectly) was making it impossible for me to stick with anything long enough to see results.
Once I embraced imperfection, I was able to stay consistent for long periods of time because one bump in the road (skipped workout, extra glass of wine, etc.) didn’t throw me off track.
And the best part? I FINALLY started seeing results.
My body began to change.
My habits solidified.
My strength increased.
My stress-levels went down.
Embracing imperfection helped me get in the best shape of my life.
Now, as a mom of 2 little ones and a business owner who works from home, embracing imperfection has never been more important.
Trust me, if I were trying to follow a plan perfectly in this season of life I wouldn’t last a day!
If you can relate to this “all or nothing” mentality and want to break free from the feelings of failure and discouragement, consider joining me in The Balanced Life Sisterhood. It’s designed specifically for women who are ready for a fresh, guilt-free approach to health & fitness – and want to embrace imperfection so they can be more consistent with their workouts.
I want you to experience this shift. I want you to experience this freedom. I speak from experience when I say embracing imperfection can change your body. And more importantly, it can change your life.
xo,
Some of the links below are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, The Balanced Life receives commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Full disclosure.
This post was written in partnership with Reebok Women as a part of their #perfectnever campaign. Clothing provided by Reebok Women: Elements Winter Pack Quilted Crew Sweatshirt, Hayasu Trainers, Dance Mesh Legging. (Currently LIVING in this entire outfit – I’ve been so happy with the quality and fit and highly recommend all of them!)
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