Be an Excellentist
In the world of health and fitness, there's a misapprehension that perfection is the pinnacle—the ultimate endgame. But today, I want to introduce you to a transformative philosophy, where excellence is not about spotless execution but about learning from the stumbles along the path. Welcome to the world of the "Excellentist."
"There is literally no such thing as perfect in health and fitness," one might proclaim, and they'd be right. Holding ourselves to an impossible standard—a quintessence of the flawless workout routine or the impeccable diet—is like reaching for a mirage. The truth is, the fitness terrain is one where we need to trip and tumble to climb higher. It's one of the splendid arenas that celebrates falling down only to get up stronger.
The Imperfect Journey to Superior Strength
1. Understanding Failure is Growth
The crux of the 'excellentist' mindset is recognizing that failure is the fuel for growth. Fitness enthusiasts should view their setbacks as the ultimate teachers—guides that dissect their mistakes and convert them into milestones of success.
2. Fostering Consistency Over Perfection
An excellentist understands the value of repetition and resilience. Instead of obsessing over executing the perfect deadlift or running the fastest mile right out of the gate, the goal is progress. It's about the evolution of your personal best.
3. The Experimentation Game
The most effective workout routine or diet is the one that is tailored to you. It's found through trial and error—a series of experimentation where some things stick, and others don't. Remember, the misfits lead to discovery.
4. Realistic Goal Setting
In the pursuit of fitness, setting goals should be synonymous with setting expectations. These goals should be realistic, measurable, and exciting. When goals become adjustable scales rather than distant stars, they form the stepping-stones to greatness.
5. Community Support
Surround yourself with a sphere of individuals that cheer every step of your voyage. The fitness community should resonate with your ups and downs. The triumph is as much shared as are the stumbles.
6. Celebrate Every Win
Whether it's mastering a new pose in yoga or shaving a minute off your 5k run time, every win counts. An excellentist basks in these moments of victory—knowing they are the sum of perseverance and learned experiences.
Encouragement Through Examples
Take Thomas Edison’s numerous failed attempts at creating a lightbulb or Michael Jordan missing more than 9,000 shots in his career. These icons understood that behind every failure lies the blueprint for success. Similarly, when a runner faces muscle cramps, they adjust their hydration strategy; when a weightlifter hits a plateau, they alter their technique. Each setback is a stepping stone toward their better selves.
The Excellentist Philosophy
"Perfectionism frequently leads to procrastination and paralysis." As we apply this to health and fitness, we realize the best version of ourselves emerges when we discard the fear of imperfection. It's about savoring the imperfect now and nurturing a growth mindset.
Encouraging the Mindset Shift
Encouraging a mindset shift from a perfectionist to an excellentist involves practice and patience. We must encourage individuals to reflect on their fitness experiences, sharing moments of failure not as defeats but as lessons. Sharing stories can inspire; setting practical, approachable goals can motivate.
In essence, to be an excellentist is to wear your scars with pride, to put forth effort willingly and learn with intent. It's to recognize that the road is long and winding, and each stride we make writes a line in the story of our success.
Fitness is a dialogue with oneself where the phrase 'fail again, fail better' becomes the heartbeat of progress. Become an excellentist and witness how it transforms not just your physical self, but your very philosophy towards life.
Remember: Strive for excellence, not perfection.