Progress Not Perfection
The start of a new year often brings a familiar ritual: setting resolutions. With hope and determination, many of us craft ambitious goals to transform our lives. We promise ourselves that this year will be different. We’ll exercise regularly, save more money, eat healthier, and finally become the best version of ourselves.
But let’s pause for a moment. When we chase perfection, we often set ourselves up for disappointment. If we stumble—miss a workout, skip a goal—we’re quick to label our efforts a failure. This mindset not only dampens our enthusiasm but can completely derail our journey.
What if we celebrated the act of trying instead? What if we acknowledged that every effort, no matter how small, is progress?
Trying Is a Celebration
Each step forward, each attempt to grow, is a victory worth celebrating. Even if it feels like a tiny win, it’s still a win. Falling short doesn’t mean failure; it’s simply part of the process. Did the plan go sideways? That’s okay—it’s all progress.
In Season 2, Episode 5 of Let’s Talk People Development with Luke & Danny, the duo dives into this very topic. They discuss how the pressure to achieve perfection, especially at the start of the year, can undermine our progress. Instead, they advocate for shifting the focus to growth, resilience, and celebrating every attempt.
Why Progress Beats Perfection
Perfection isn’t realistic. Growth, however, is achievable. Here’s why focusing on progress creates more sustainable success:
Progress Builds Confidence: Small wins remind us of what we’re capable of, encouraging us to keep going.
Failure Becomes Learning: Setbacks aren’t failures; they’re opportunities to adjust and refine our approach.
Consistency Matters More: It’s not about doing everything perfectly but showing up and trying regularly.
Ask “Why Am I Doing This?”
When you find yourself drifting away from your goals, pause and ask: Why am I doing this? Reflect on what motivated you to set this goal in the first place. Do you want to start running because you enjoy the clarity it brings, or because you feel pressure to do it? Do you want to read every day to learn, even if reading isn’t enjoyable for you? If so, explore other avenues of learning that align with your preferences, such as audiobooks, podcasts, or hands-on experiences. Reflection helps you reconnect with your "why" and ensures your actions align with what truly matters to you. It’s not about rigidly sticking to one path—it’s about finding the approach that works for you.
How to Shift Your Focus
Here’s how you can embrace progress and let go of perfection:
1. Celebrate Every Win
Acknowledge even the smallest achievements. Did you try something new? Stick to a habit for a few days? That’s worth celebrating. Every step forward is proof that you’re growing.
2. Embrace Setbacks
Setbacks are not the end of the road. They’re part of it. Reframe missteps as lessons. Each time you fall, you learn how to move forward with more clarity and determination.
3. Focus on Habits, Not Outcomes
Instead of fixating on the end result, focus on building habits that support your goals. For example, if you want to write a book, commit to writing for 15 minutes each day. Habits create progress, and progress leads to success.
4. Start Small
Ambitious goals are inspiring but can feel overwhelming. Break them into smaller, actionable steps. Writing one chapter, walking for 10 minutes, or saving £5 may seem small, but it’s a step closer to your larger goal.
5. Be Kind to Yourself
Self-compassion is essential. You wouldn’t criticise a friend for trying and struggling; extend that same kindness to yourself. Speak to yourself with encouragement, not judgment.
6. Stay Flexible
Life is unpredictable. Goals may need to adapt as circumstances change. Flexibility ensures you keep moving forward, even if the path looks different than you’d planned.
No Effort Is Wasted
Every attempt, every small action, is part of the bigger picture. Progress is cumulative. No effort is wasted, even if it doesn’t go as planned. Your willingness to try is itself a celebration.
As Luke and Danny highlight in their podcast episode, the journey is what matters most. The tiniest wins are just as valuable as the big ones. By focusing on progress over perfection, you’ll not only achieve more but enjoy the process along the way.
This year, let go of the pressure to be flawless. Instead, commit to showing up, trying, and growing. Celebrate the small victories and see setbacks as steps forward. Whether you’re starting a new habit, tackling a big project, or leading a team, progress is always the goal.
Remember: every bit of development counts. Here’s to a year of trying, learning, and celebrating—one step at a time.