Progress > Perfection: Why Small Wins Matter More Than Flawless Goals

 

We’ve all done it: set a shiny new goal — maybe it’s “I’m going to hit the gym every single day,” or “I’ll cut out all sugar starting Monday.”

Sounds ambitious, right? But a week later, life happens. You miss a workout. You eat the cookie. And suddenly, you feel like you’ve failed.

That’s the perfection trap.

Perfection sounds noble, but it sets you up for disappointment. Real life is messy. And when your plan leaves no room for flexibility, you end up quitting altogether.

Here’s the truth: progress always beats perfection.

What Perfection Looks Like (and Why It Fails)

Perfection is rigid. It doesn’t bend when you’re busy, tired, or human.

  • ❌ Skipping the gym because you don’t have a full hour (instead of just moving for 10 minutes).

  • ❌ Beating yourself up for having dessert at a birthday party.

  • ❌ Saying, “I blew it,” after one off day — and throwing in the towel completely.

Perfection tells you “all or nothing.” And guess what? “All” rarely lasts.

What Progress Looks Like (and Why It Works)

Progress, on the other hand, is flexible. It fits into your actual life, not the imaginary “perfect” week that never exists.

  • ✅ Taking a 15-minute walk while your coffee brews.

  • ✅ Adding an extra glass of water instead of cutting out everything you love.

  • ✅ Stretching before bed because you didn’t get a workout in.

Progress builds momentum. It teaches you consistency over intensity. And most importantly, it makes you feel successful — which keeps you coming back.

 
 

The Science Behind Small Wins

Your brain loves progress. Every time you achieve a small goal, it releases dopamine — that “feel good” chemical. It motivates you to keep going.

That’s why stacking small wins works. One habit leads to another. Over time, you’ve built a lifestyle instead of a short-lived plan.

Think of it like compound interest: small deposits every day turn into huge returns over time.

Why “Done Beats Perfect” in Real Life

Here’s the kicker: the people who make the most progress aren’t the ones who chase flawless routines. They’re the ones who keep showing up imperfectly.

It looks like:

  • Doing half a workout instead of none.

  • Meal-prepping a couple of things, not a full week of Pinterest-worthy containers.

  • Choosing water once today, not swearing off coffee forever.

Each choice is imperfect. And yet, each choice moves you forward.

A New Way to Measure Success

So instead of asking: “Was I perfect today?”

Try asking:

👉 “What progress did I make today?”

👉 “What small win can I stack tomorrow?”

Your definition of success shifts from flawless execution to consistent improvement — and that’s where transformation really happens.

The Takeaway

Perfection is the trap that keeps you stuck. Progress is the path that moves you forward.

So stop waiting for the perfect time, the perfect plan, or the perfect version of yourself to get started.

Because in the end: progress > perfection. Every single time. 💎

@nicola_physio

www.diamondphysiotherapy.ca




Nicola Robertson

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist

 
 
Nicola Robertson