What’s Better Than Perfection? The Power of Consistency

In a world obsessed with perfection, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly falling short. The perfect workout routine. The perfect diet. The perfect job. The perfect life. We see it all paraded in front of us daily throughout our social media pages. If we are not careful we will begin to think that perfection is not only attainable, but that it is also everyone else’s “normal.” Because of this, we often set lofty goals for ourselves, *sigh* only to abandon them when we don’t execute flawlessly. But here’s the truth: perfection isn’t the goal—consistency is.

Consistency is the quiet force that drives meaningful, lasting change. It does not rely on grandeur or unattainable ideals. Instead, it thrives in the small, steady actions we take every day. You won’t find consistency being paraded the way perfection can be, because it just does not hold our attention the same way. Consistency can oftentimes be boring for everyone except the one being consistent. It is not flashy or even entertaining. But while perfection might dazzle in the moment, consistency wins over time.

Why Consistency Outweighs Perfection

1. Progress Over Perfection Perfection is paralyzing. It tells us that anything less than 100% isn’t good enough. But striving for progress, even if it’s 1% better each day, allows us to build momentum. Progress isn’t linear or flawless, but it compounds. A week of imperfect action beats a day of perfection followed by six days of inaction.
2. Habits Are Built Through Repetition Think about brushing your teeth. You don’t need a “perfect” brushing routine to maintain dental health—you just need to do it consistently. The same principle applies to every area of life. Whether it’s building a healthier body, growing your career, or fostering relationships, showing up regularly is what counts.
3. Perfection is Exhausting Perfectionism often leads to burnout. When you’re constantly chasing unattainable standards, you’re bound to feel frustrated and drained. Consistency, on the other hand, allows you to pace yourself. It’s about finding a rhythm that you can sustain long-term.

How to Embrace Consistency

1. Set Realistic Goals Perfectionists often set unrealistic expectations. Instead, focus on small, manageable goals that you can achieve regularly. For example, instead of committing to a two-hour gym session every day, aim for 20 minutes of movement.
2. Celebrate Small Wins Recognize and celebrate the small steps you take. Completed three workouts this week instead of five? That’s still progress. Ate one healthy meal today? Celebrate it. These small victories fuel your motivation to keep going.
3. Forgive Yourself Quickly Life happens. You’ll miss a workout, indulge in comfort food, or fall behind on a project. That’s okay. The key is to avoid the all-or-nothing mentality and get back on track without guilt.
4. Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome Consistency is about commitment to the process. When you prioritize daily actions over perfect results, the outcomes often take care of themselves.

Real-Life Examples of Consistency in Action

• Fitness: Instead of aiming for the perfect workout plan, commit to moving your body every day, even if it’s just a 10-minute walk.
• Nutrition: Instead of overhauling your diet overnight, focus on adding one healthy habit, like drinking more water or eating more veggies.
• Career: Instead of waiting for the perfect moment to pitch an idea or start a project, take small, consistent steps toward your goal.

I’ve personally lived this out over the past year. Last spring, after an injury, fitness became a goal for me. I have never enjoyed working out, but I had some goals that couldn’t be met without it at this stage of the game. After losing 100 pounds a couple of years ago (thanks, SkinnyBox™), I had gotten really good at maintaining that accomplishment. However, I began to feel like it was time to move on to the next phase. I knew that I wanted to lose about 30 more pounds, but quite frankly, it was going to take more than I was doing to get me there. 

I joined a gym that had knowledgeable coaches and a scalable workout plan. Despite not being “age eligible”, I first attended their 55 and older class, three days a week. This is where I learned exercises and good form to really engage a HIIT workout session. Also, I learned modifications to any exercise that was totally out of my reach due to having no cartilage in my right hip. As I remained consistent in those sessions, I built strength. With every session I began to be able to move faster, lift heavier, and best of all, get over any self-criticism about what I could or couldn’t do. Soon I began to get curious about their five-day-a-week regular (any and all ages) program and was encouraged by my coach to cautiously give it a trial run. I loved it! Never before had I been able to say that about any form of exercise. Plus, not only did it challenge me to a new level, but now I had more session opportunities each week to help reach my goal.  

I’m  fortunate in that my gym recognizes the discipline of not only creating consistent habits, but also, enforces them through positive action. With each session that I checked-in on my app, I could see how many sessions I had completed so far. They also celebrate their members for showing up. Every twenty-five sessions that you mark off, you are celebrated in front of everyone, given a mile-marker bracelet, and have your picture taken with a mile-marker placard. At your first 100th session (and each one after) you are put up on a box (Olympic pedestal style) with your placard while being surrounded by your workout class for that same gym photo opp. And while all of this may seem silly or even unnecessary to some, it allowed me to “stack my wins.” It was tangible. It was motivating. And honestly, I was more proud of my session count than I was of what I was doing when I got there. Why? Because I was building the fitness piece that had been elusive for so long–consistency! 

Last week, I celebrated my very first “100th Session.” I stood on that box with a goofy smile, sweaty workout clothes, crazy hair and no makeup–and yet, I have never felt more proud to take a picture. 

The Ripple Effect of Consistency

When you prioritize consistency, the benefits extend beyond the immediate results. You build discipline, self-trust, and resilience. You prove to yourself that you can show up, even when it’s hard. Over time, those consistent efforts snowball into something remarkable.

What’s Better Than Perfect?

Perfection is fleeting. Consistency is enduring. It’s the small, imperfect steps that carry you forward, day after day. So let go of the need to be perfect, and instead, strive to be consistent. Because what’s better than perfect? Showing up, again and again.

Until next time, remember. . .you be good to you!

Lisa Mills