Perfectionism
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Do a short workout even if you don't have time for a full session.
Doing something is better than nothing; once started, you may want to challenge yourself, and it feels great.
- Unless you are chronically sleep deprived, an extra hour of sleep may provide greater benefit than an hour of working out.
one person who lived it
If you cannot complete a task, do half of it.
It is easier and provides a sense of accomplishment.
2 people, independently
- If the thought of a large task deters you, do the easiest sub-task to inspire yourself to finish the rest.1
Focus on completion over perfection in initial drafts or tasks.
It helps you actually accomplish things instead of fiddling with them forever.
4 people, independently
Walk on a treadmill if you lack the energy for a full workout.
It is better than not going at all.
one person who lived it
Accept being bad at something initially as the necessary first step toward becoming good at it.
7 people, independently
Lower the activation energy for tasks, recognizing that the brain is cost-sensitive rather than lazy.
The brain is cost-sensitive, not lazy.
one person who lived it
Accept 'good enough' as your standard, recognizing that perfection is impossible.
It is a life changer for contentment and happiness.
one person who lived it
Focus on showing up and adapting to your current energy level rather than adhering to a rigid plan.
Once you show up, you can adapt your training to your day's energy level and body state.
one person who lived it
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Give yourself wiggle room in habits to prevent total relapse after minor slips.
It improves existing habits and reduces pressure so you don't quit.
one person who lived it
Keep essential tools accessible to reduce friction for small habits.
Having the tool nearby (e.g., by the bed) makes it work perfectly when you are tired or horizontal.
one person who lived it
Use small, specific tasks (like flossing or doing five minutes of yoga) to avoid overwhelm and achieve small successes.
It prevents being overwhelmed.
one person who lived it
Pick up a few items around the house when too exhausted to clean thoroughly.
Regularly picking things up half-heartedly is better than never scrubbing top to bottom.
2 people, independently
Complete one specific chore, such as washing dishes, even if other chores remain undone.
At least that pile of dirty items will be cleared.
one person who lived it
Start new skills with the lowest possible barrier to entry to build enjoyment and habit.
Beginning with a minimal step (like just boiling eggs to avoid starvation) can lead to eventually enjoying the activity.
one person who lived it
Write terrible drafts if the underlying idea is true, prioritizing existence over quality since bad writing can be edited but nothing cannot.
Bad writing is better than no writing.
one person who lived it
Aim for dynamic improvement rather than static perfection.
Perfection is impossible and static, whereas improvement is always achievable.
one person who lived it
Recognize that repetitive action, even if poor, forms habits that lead to efficiency.
Repetitive action becomes habit, habitual action makes you good at it, and being good at it leads to efficiency.
one person who lived it
Focus on making the effort itself, especially against great difficulty or personal resistance, as the significant accomplishment.
one person who lived it