How to Overcome Perfectionism in Your Fitness Journey

Some days are easier than others when you’re on a fitness journey. How can you muscle through the mistakes and achieve your goals? While high expectations are great, they can also weigh you down. Here’s how to overcome perfectionism and lift your spirits. 

How to Overcome Perfectionism and Find Motivation

Do you ever feel like you don’t want to work out some days? You’re not the only one, I promise! 

However, I challenge the notion that you do not want to work out. I think you really do! The issue is probably a bit simpler: you just don’t feel like it at that moment.

I bet you can, though!

Really, you do want to work out or, at least, get a lot of those amazing side effects like:

• Being strong and capable

• Better confidence, mental health and mindset

• Energy for days

• Fitting into clothes

Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of knowing you can do stuff, even if you don’t feel like it.

So, the next time you think about skipping, just remember that you can do it! Do a short workout if you’re feeling daunted. Perfectionism is the enemy of consistency.  

How to Overcome Perfectionism When Working Out

Exercise your right to work out, even if your session is imperfect! Here are nine ways to combat perfectionism in the gym. 

1. Set Realistic Goals

Feeling more confident in your workouts starts with setting realistic goals. Focus on small achievements that are easy to attain, even when you lack motivation. For example, your goal could be completing three workouts per week. This milestone is realistic and achievable, as you could spread it over seven days. 

2. Focus on Yourself

Learning how to overcome perfectionism includes focusing only on yourself. Comparison is the thief of joy and your sanity! Everyone’s fitness journey is unique, whether it’s been two days or 20 years. If you chase others, you may fall flat and lose track of your goals. Even if you’re using partner training to get fit, you should focus on the one person you can control: You! 

3. Embrace Your Effort

Effort is half the battle with your fitness journey. If you put in the work, your body will reward you! You can be proud of yourself if you give it your best shot. Even if that is only 20 minutes in the gym some days, it is still a win!  

4. Be Proud of Small Efforts

Short workouts help you overcome perfectionism, even if you’re less sore than usual the next day. A half-hour walk around the neighborhood or the park or a quick body-weight workout at home is worthwhile. A win is a win, even when you’re doing lighter exercises. 

5. Talk to Your Trainer

The line at the perfectionism club is long! Your trainer has likely been there before, so they have firsthand experience. Ask them for tips on transcending mental obstacles and being your best self in the gym. Experts at Chris Protein Personal Training offer support on workout routines, diet plans and other critical fitness facets.  

6. Challenge the Negativity

Fitness journeys teach you how to overcome perfectionism despite the highs and lows. You may feel inadequate because you have yet to reach your goals. Instead, challenge these negative thoughts and reframe them! If you catch yourself thinking "what's the point" reframe that to "even an imperfect workout will move me closer to my goals, keep me consistent, and make me feel better". 

7. Celebrate Your Wins

Celebrating your wins is taking the time to revel in the accomplishments you've made. It’s OK to cheer yourself on for hitting small victories, such as running a faster mile time or finishing the extra repetition. Showing up also counts as a win! Completing your workouts for a month, especially if you have not done so in a while, is a great win. Celebrating along the way will create a positive relationship with exercise and help maintain consistency.

8. Avoid Obsession

Imagine spending hours crafting the perfect workout plan and obsessively tracking your calories. While putting time and effort into these things is helpful, overanalyzing could do more harm than good in the long run, so police yourself to keep peace of mind. If you find yourself feeling guilty about the grain of rice that fell off the food scale, or obsessively exercising for hours at a time, it may be time to make some changes.

9. Forgive Yourself for Imperfections

Learning how to overcome perfectionism means giving yourself some grace for slip-ups. Life happens, so you may have to skip a gym session during the week. That’s OK! View your fitness journey as a marathon instead of a sprint. It’s easy to slip into cycles of shame over missed workouts or an unhealthy dinner, so forgive yourself for imperfections. Focus on being consistent longterm, and staying committed to your goals. 

Get Fit Today With Chris Protein Personal Training

Perfectionism is a trapeze act you should let the circus handle. Consistency is more important in your fitness journey, so find your motivation and get moving! 

If you’re ready to kick-start your journey, book a free transformation session at Chris Protein Personal Training in Austin, Texas! Your session includes a comprehensive health and wellness assessment, a gym tour and a fitness plan to reach your goals.