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Giving up on Perfection

22 February 2010 7 Comments

At age 41, I’m a proud mother of two fantastic kids. Married to an amazing husband and trying my best to keep fit and healthy while trying to help others do the same.

After my amazing results with P90X, I thought I was as close to perfect as I was going to get. Seeing that this was at age 40, I thought that was pretty darned good. But, life gets in the way and my fitness took a few steps back. I spent too much time on the computer (a bad thing) and more time with my family (a VERY good thing).

I was concerned that this “slip” in fitness focus would make me less credible. It’s not like I’ve gained all my weight back. In fact, I’ve probably only gained back about 10 pounds, but being a perfectionist, I could not accept this slip. I tried to keep it hidden from my readers, fans, followers, etc. NO MORE! I’m out of the closet with my fitness failures and back on track to be better each and every day. Not perfect, just better.

Practically all of my life, I have been a perfectionist. Nothing is ever good enough; I am always striving to do better. Of course, there are both good and bad things about this characteristic. I decided to do a little research about what others think about being perfect as well. I happened to stumble upon a comment from a Father Michael of Liveholiness.com. He said,

I think perfection is a great goal, but it can lead to great frustration. I experience that frustration every day when I see how imperfect I am! A friend of mine always likes to remind me that it’s about “progress, not perfection.” Even though I’m imperfect each day, I can at least try to make some progress in some area each day as well.

Ah, with a sigh of some relief, I realized THIS is me. THIS is what I am aiming for. I am not striving to be perfect, but to better myself, even if just a little, each and every day. I never thought I’d have this in common with a priest, but hey, you can’t argue with divine intervention, huh? I was obviously meant to stumble upon this exact blog and this exact comment.

Another blogger, Belinda Munoz, wrote a great piece about perfectionism. She states:

Here’s the reason why perfectionism is exactly what we need: because in the chase of it, we will find under no uncertain terms that flaws are here to stay. They’re not going anywhere. Our flaws and other people’s flaws. And these flaws that you and I share appeal to the best of us because through our flaws, we have amazing opportunities to bond in very real and meaningful ways. No big mystery. Just another proven, timeless, simple truth.

Once again, I could not have said it better myself. Thanks Belinda! So, let’s rejoice in our imperfections, but try to improve them. We’ll work together to be stronger, more fit, flexible, health and happy. I’m here for you and so many of you are here for me as well. On with the journey!

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7 Comments »

Nancy said:

Hi, you look great! I am also on my fitness transformation myself…feel free to follow my blog

http://www.mypersonalfitnesstransformation.blogspot.com

or visit my website

http://www.gettingfitwithnancy.com

Nancy

# 22 February 2010 at 4:19 pm

Charlene said:

I love this post. Somewhere in my 20’s (after a failed marriage to my addict ex), I realied that I have always been a perfectionist. Yet, through the next 20 years (now 41 like you) I’ve found a balance where I still strive to be “better” all the time, yet still accept and appreciate the journey…. wherever I may be along the way.

The difference is now the perfectionism is for ME… vs. trying to live to the ideals of others. Inside, out vs. outside in.

Now on day 81 of P90X, I am loving this powerful feeling of striving towards the goal of being in the best shape of my life, loving my strength and my energy, and the knowledge that I am doing something truly good for myself.

# 22 February 2010 at 4:43 pm

Tammy said:

Hi there…I am stopping by from SITS. I loved your latest post. I too am a perfectionist about everything around me. The only thing I have a hard time controlling is my weight. Right now I am on a weight loss journey and my blog is keeping me accountable. I am so thankful for those friends who I have met who keep encouraging me week after week.

Stop by and say hi!

# 23 February 2010 at 2:33 pm

Belinda Munoz said:

How nice to hear that a perfectionist has given up on perfection! I used to be one and made peace with it a few years ago.

Thank you for stopping by my blog and for the mention in this enjoyable post.

# 23 February 2010 at 3:37 pm

Amanda @ Serenity Now said:

Hey there! Thanks for the visit today. I think you’ll enjoy Valentine’s Day…all of my friends seemed to.

Good for you for giving up on perfection, but not sacrificing your health.

# 24 February 2010 at 3:32 pm

Patti said:

Hi Jenn! I am as imperfect as they come. I’m 50 pounds overweight, I go to Curves usually (except when I’m sick) AT LEAST 3 times per week, but I CANNOT get the MINDSET to eat right. The Curves owner holds “weight management” classes, she tries to encourage me to eat right, but then I go hope and eat what I can afford to buy, and unfortunately, other than canned veggies and lettuce, everything is just regular food. I get so frustrated.

By the Way,

Welcome to BlogNTweet,

PJ

# 24 February 2010 at 11:24 pm