Focus On Progress Not Perfection For Long Term Success!

You can read the transcript below:

Hi everyone! Amber here, co-founder of Fresh Start, and today, I want to have a heartfelt conversation with you about something that comes up a lot in our community—the pressure to be perfect on your weight loss journey. If you’ve ever found yourself in an "all-or-nothing" mindset, feeling like a slip-up ruins everything, I’m here to tell you: it doesn’t have to be that way.

So let’s dive into why embracing progress over perfection is not just a mantra—it’s a game-changer for long-term success.

First, let me ask you this: have you ever had a day where you made one unsupportive choice—maybe you skipped a workout or ate something off-plan—and suddenly felt like you’d undone all your progress? It’s such a common experience, and I want to reassure you: you're not alone.

Many people who’ve experienced yo-yo dieting carry that mindset into their lives. But here’s the truth: perfection is a myth. And holding onto that ideal can lead to frustration, self-doubt, and even giving up on your goals.

So, what’s the alternative? It’s about focusing on progress—those small, consistent steps that add up to incredible transformation over time. Let’s break this down.

Key 1. Acknowledge Your Unique Journey

Your journey is YOURS. It’s not going to be a straight line, and it’s not supposed to be. There will be bumps, plateaus, even steps backward—but that’s all part of the process. Each challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.

So I’d like you to take a moment right now to reflect: What have you learned during the tougher times of your journey? And how have those lessons helped you move forward, or how could they help you move forward if you chose to gather those lessons?

Key 2. Set Realistic, Achievable Goals

Sometimes, perfectionism shows up as setting impossible expectations for yourself. Instead, try this: set small, realistic targets and celebrate every milestone. It’s the small, steady actions—those daily choices—that add up over time and create lasting change.

Think about it: are your goals realistic for the tools and knowledge you have right now? If not, adjust them. It’s not failure—it’s wisdom, and it’s setting yourself up for success you can celebrate.

Key 3. Focus on Consistency Over Big Leaps

Progress isn’t about giant leaps; it’s about showing up consistently. Drinking that extra glass of water. Taking that short walk. Choosing one healthy meal or adding one more vegetable to a meal. Going to bed early one night. These might feel small, but over time and the more your repeat them, they lead to massive change.

Consistency also includes mindset work. Ask yourself: Are your thoughts focused on what you want to achieve—or what you fear? Shifting your focus to your goals instead of your worries can make a world of difference, and directly harnesses how your mind works so you can conspire for your own success rather than trip yourself up time and time again.

Here’s a practical tip: track your progress. Write down or record not just your physical changes but also improvements in your energy, strength, confidence, and habits. Seeing these wins can keep you motivated and be a powerful reminder of your overall trajectory rather than getting bogged down in the detail of small successes versus slipups.

Key 4. Embrace Self-Compassion

Let’s talk about kindness—specifically, kindness, and grace towards yourself. When you stumble, please avoid the temptation to beat yourself up. Imagine how you’d comfort a friend who, like all humans, made a mistake. What would it take to offer that same compassion to yourself?

A key point I want to emphasise here is that time and time again, evidence shows that Self-criticism doesn’t fuel transformation—self-love does. Ask yourself: Where and how can I be gentler, kinder, more encouraging with myself?

Here’s an analogy I love: If you’re driving and get a flat tire, you wouldn’t slash the other three tires, right? You’d fix the flat and keep moving. The same applies to your weight loss journey. One misstep is one flat tire - not 4 flat tires. One misstep doesn’t mean total failure —it just means it’s time to pause, repair what’s needed and course-correct.

One of my own mentors  once said, "The person who loves walking will walk further than the person who loves the destination." So, let’s fall in love with the process so that you can love the journey towards your desired destination of your health and wellbeing goals. Celebrate every step forward, and give yourself permission to let go of letting the idea of perfection hold you back.

Your weight loss journey is about progress—celebrating small wins, learning from challenges, and showing up for yourself consistently. Let go of perfection, embrace your journey, and trust that each step is leading you closer to the life you want.

You’ve got this, and remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way so make sure you use the resources and support available to you, and get in touch if you’re not sure where to start or would like some guidance. Thanks for spending this time with me today. 

See you next time!