I have often used an expression “In a perfect world”. This is usually followed by something such as: “In a perfect world, we would all have the time to keep an ongoing food diary.” Or, another example: “In a perfect world, we would make it to the gym 5 times a week.”
Well, when focusing on our weight control efforts, this is certainly not a “perfect world”. There are many barriers to our weight control efforts including parental responsibilities, commutes to work, stressful occupations etc. If the only important thing in our worlds was our weight control efforts, this would become lots easier.
We all set goals when it comes to weight loss. This could be a total weight loss goal over the next year or a much more immediate aspiration, such as losing 3 pounds in the coming week.
The concept of “Striving for progress, not perfection” has strong applications to our long-term weight control journeys. This is not a “perfect world” nor will we reach perfection in many/all the things we attempt. However, if we embrace a positive acceptance of progress, this will be a better mindset for long-term continuation.
We will be set up for failure if we hold ourselves to perfection. Be happy with weekly/monthly progress, no matter how small this may be, because cumulatively, this will come close to perfection.
