For many of us, the difference between perfection and excellence is insignificant, but nothing could be further from the truth. Countless fitness enthusiasts and athletes today strive for perfection. Whether it be striving for the perfect body or for the perfect golf swing, perfection is an ideal that simply does not exist.

If you strive for perfection, you have basically entered yourself in a race that never ends. How do you think you would fare in such a race? That’s right, you would burn out just like the rest of us. This is because perfection teaches you never to be content with where you are at in life and never be satisfied with what you have accomplished. If this sounds a bit like you, then please read on.

Perfectionists, typically, fixate on unattainable goals and, as a result, forget to embrace success and focus on the positive. Over time, this unhealthy perspective causes a fear of failure and rejection and, without some sort of positive intervention, eventually gives way to psychological breakdown, perhaps, to the point of suicide.

Thankfully, there is hope. By simply shifting your mental focus from perfection to excellence you will open up a whole new world of possibilities for yourself.

Excellence is both real and achievable. It teaches you to set realistic goals and work hard to reach them.

Consider this: how many of us can achieve perfection? None. How many of us can achieve excellence? All.

Understanding this difference and incorporating it into your daily thoughts, feelings, and behaviours will make your fitness goals a reality.

So make sure your I‐am messages reflect excellence and you believe them to be true:

“I am fit”

“I am strong”

“I am healthy”…are just a few examples.

Remember, if you can think it, you can do it!