Success in Fitness is not Determined by Perfection

Perfection can be defined as something entirely without any flaws, defects, or shortcomings. Oddly, many try to be perfect and when they fail to be perfect, they quit trying to be successful.   When you think of the many great leaders in this world such as Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, and Mother Teresa, based upon what we know about them on the surface, you may think they are perfect in their actions in how they lived.  Yet, when you dig deeper into their lives, you find a lot of imperfection.  Did you know Abe Lincoln suffered with major bouts of depression? He was a great leader and communicator, yet on many occasions he lashed out in anger. What made Abe different than most is that he looked at what he could do better.  Instead of dwelling on what he did wrong and remaining angry with himself, he forgave himself and focused on what he could do better next time.  When it comes to your life goals, whether in fitness, relationships, et cetera, you must move on. For example, if you splurge into a bag of chips, shortly after that moment you think, "wow, did I have to do that". You may find yourself feeling guilty, but you also find yourself feeling physically ill too. Eating the junk doesn't make you feel as good as eating the good stuff.  I say, focus on how bad you feel.  Learn from it!  Before you buy that bag of chips at the store next time, recall the feelings you felt.  That will deter you from getting those chips. It's also okay to reflect on what you did.  Don't get angry and depressed about it.  Instead, ask yourself what you can do to prevent or handle the situation better. Don't try to be something you're not!  Be who you are and work on what you got.  Anyone can be beautiful.  Don't try to live vicariously through a celebrity or athlete, etc.  Trust me, they have they imperfections.  Conversely, don't make excuses to not learn more about how you can do better.  As the Greek aphorism goes "know thyself".  To Know Thyself will take a lifetime.  However, by striving to Know Thyself, the better you become.   With success comes many failures.  Remember, that what you're striving for is success, not perfection.   Take action and take risks. Know if you stick to something you will succeed and it will take time to achieve your goals. Also, forgive yourself of your shortcomings and focus on your accomplishments. By doing this as often as you need, you will find that you crave more of what is the right thing to do as it relates to getting fit and healthy, accumulating knowledge, and building relationships. In health and Fitness, Kelly Huggins