Why Showing Up Beats Perfection

Tjani Gomez
Apr 24
2 min read

Updated: Jul 11

The Power of Consistency

In a world where everyone is aiming for perfection, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you have to get everything just right to make progress. But more often than not, success isn’t about flashy, flawless actions—it’s about small, consistent efforts. Let’s explore why showing up as imperfect as you may be, can beat perfection every time.

The Compounding Power of Small Habits

Consistency is the unsung hero of achievement. It’s not the occasional, intense bursts of effort that yield lasting results, but the regular, manageable actions you take every day. Consider these examples:

Daily Walks: A 20-minute walk every day might not seem like much, but over the course of a year, that’s over 120 hours of movement. At a 2 mile per hour pace, that's roughly 36,000 calories burned. When combined with a solid diet it would be hard not to see these results after year.
Quick Workouts: Ten-minute workouts, done consistently, can build strength and endurance over time, proving that you don’t need an hour-long session to see results. HIIT training shows us just how important getting your heart rate up is for the calorie burning process, allowing you to accomplish much more in less time.
Meal Prep: Preparing even one healthy meal a day sets a foundation for better eating habits, saving time and reducing the temptation of unhealthy options. If you can eat healthy even 60 percent of the time, that's progress over eating unhealthy 100% of the time.

These small habits compound over time, creating a significant change in your healthy habits without requiring perfection.

Shifting from "All or Nothing" to "Always Something"

One of the biggest barriers to consistency is the “all-or-nothing” mentality. This mindset often leads to burnout or, worse, giving up altogether when perfection isn’t attainable. Instead, embrace the "always something" approach.

Here’s what that looks like:

Didn’t have time for your usual 30-minute workout? Do a 5-minute stretch instead.
Couldn’t prepare a full meal? Opt for a simple, nutritious snack.
Feeling too overwhelmed to tackle a big project? Spend just 10 minutes on it.

The "always something" mindset keeps momentum going and builds resilience over time.

Tips for Staying Consistent on Low-Motivation Days

Consistency is easier said than done, especially when motivation is low. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:

Start Small: Set achievable goals. It’s better to do a little than nothing at all.
Build Routines: Anchor habits to existing routines, like stretching right after brushing your teeth.
Track Progress: Use a habit tracker to celebrate your wins, no matter how small.
Forgive Slip-Ups: Missing a day doesn’t mean failure. Get back on track as soon as you can.
Find Accountability: Share your goals with a friend or join a group for support and encouragement.

Final Thoughts

Consistency isn’t about being perfect every single day. It’s about showing up, doing your best with what you have, and trusting the process. Over time, these small, steady actions create a foundation for success that perfection simply can’t match.

So, the next time you’re tempted to wait for the “perfect” moment, remember: progress loves consistency. Literally, just show up.