War with perfection

As we enter the second week of the new year, it's time for a reality check on our resolutions. The initial enthusiasm might be waning, and that's okay. The key is to set realistic expectations.

I've found success in aiming for 80% rather than perfection. For instance, my goal for daily writing isn't 365 days, but 292. If I hit 365, fantastic! But 292 is my benchmark. The same goes for walking 10,000 steps - achieving it 300 days a year is a win in my book.

Life happens, often more frequently than we anticipate. Be kind to yourself. Set realistic goals - 80% feels achievable, 60% might feel like failure, and 90% can be overly ambitious given life's unpredictability. Keep your mandatory goals realistic and let your stretch goals reach for the stars.

When I first started annual goal-setting, I began with just 50%. Gradually, I built confidence to do more consistently. Remember, it's not confidence that breeds action, but action that builds confidence.

Planning is crucial, but don't be dogmatic about your plans. Perfection isn't the aim. Set achievable goals and follow through. Proving to yourself that you're trustworthy enhances your self-image and quiets negative self-talk.

It's okay to miss a day or two. It's okay if work gets hectic or you fall ill. Ensure your intent remains true. Vote for your intent daily - that's your first step. If you aimed for 10,000 steps but had a crazy day, even a 5-minute walk counts as a vote for your intention.

In the face of potential failure, that small vote of confidence can make all the difference.

We got this 🥳