Author: Alayna Lopez
When it comes to building new habits or sticking to your goals, one of the biggest mental roadblocks is all-or-nothing thinking. You know the drill: if you skip a workout, miss a day of taking your supplements, or indulge in an unplanned treat, it suddenly feels like you’ve ruined everything. So why bother continuing, right?
Wrong.
Here’s the thing: consistency is not the same as perfection.
Why This Thinking Trips Us Up
I remember when I first set a goal to say no to added sugar, candy, and dessert. It honestly felt like the moment I made that decision, the world started tempting me. Suddenly, it seemed like everyone—friends, family, coworkers—was inviting me out for treats.
Some days, I stayed strong. Other days, I gave in. And whenever I slipped up, it felt like I’d undone all of my progress. I’d think, “Well, I already messed up, so what’s the point?” The next day, saying no felt even harder.
But over time, I realized that one moment didn’t define my whole journey. I didn’t have to be perfect—I just had to keep going.
All-or-nothing thinking tells us if we aren’t doing something perfectly, then we shouldn’t do it at all. It’s the kind of mindset that turns one missed day into a weeklong setback. And over time, that can make healthy habits feel overwhelming or unsustainable.
But let’s pause and challenge that thought: Is one imperfect day really the end of your progress? Of course not.
Shift the Focus to Progress
Every step you take—no matter how small—is a step in the right direction. The key is to keep showing up, even when it’s not perfect. Progress happens when you stay in the game, not when you drop out after a rough patch.
Here’s a good way to think about it:
If you forget to brush your teeth one night, it doesn’t cancel out all the other times you brushed—or stop you from brushing again the next night. The same goes for your goals. A slipup doesn’t erase your progress. What matters is that you keep showing up.
What to Do If You’ve Fallen into This Trap
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Pause and Reflect
Ask yourself: “Have I really failed?” Missing one day doesn’t erase your hard work. Recognize the progress you’ve already made. -
Restart Gently
You don’t need a new week or month to get back on track. Just pick up where you left off—right now. Not tomorrow. Not Monday. Today. -
Set Flexible Goals
Plan for some wiggle room. Build in a rest day, allow for a detour, and celebrate showing up—not just checking a box. -
Talk to Your Personal Health Coach
If you’re a Balance of Nature Preferred Customer, remember—you have complimentary access to a personal Health Coach! Your coach can help reframe your mindset, encourage progress over perfection, and keep you motivated.
A Real-Life Reminder
Think about your favorite athlete, artist, or leader. Do you think they got where they are by being perfect all the time? No. They kept going—through missed shots, mistakes, and moments of doubt.
So be kind to yourself. You’re not aiming to be perfect. You’re aiming to be consistent over time. That’s where the real transformation happens.
You’ve got this! Let’s keep going—imperfectly and confidently.
