Why Perfectionism Is Holding You Back
If you’ve ever thought, “I need to do this perfectly or it won’t work,” you’re not alone. Perfectionism is one of the biggest roadblocks I see in women trying to lose weight, heal their metabolism, or stick to a reverse diet.
Here’s the problem: Perfectionism sets you up for failure.
✨ You believe you have to:
- Cut out all sugar and carbs.
- Work out every single day.
- Never eat out or deviate from your plan.
✨ But when life happens (and it will), one small slip-up feels like the end of the world. You eat one “off-plan” food and think, “I’m already off track, so I might as well give up.”
This is the all-or-nothing mindset at play. And it’s the reason you feel stuck in a cycle of self-sabotage.
The Damage of Extreme Plans
Take 75 Hard, for example. While it promises transformation, the rules are so rigid they practically guarantee burnout:
- ❌ No deviations or cheat meals: Sets you up to obsess over food and feel guilt after every small slip.
- ❌ Two 45-minute workouts daily, one outside: Leads to physical and mental exhaustion, especially if you’re already juggling work, family, or hormonal fluctuations.
Sure, you might see short-term results, but the long-term consequences are serious:
- Damaged body image (you feel like you’re “off track” unless everything is perfect).
- Strained relationship with food (one “cheat” sends you spiraling).
- Hurt self-worth (you blame yourself for not being able to sustain the unsustainable).
My Journey: From Perfectionist to Progress-Focused
As a recovering perfectionist, I get it. I used to believe I had to eat perfectly and work out excessively to see results.
When I first started tracking macros, I was nervous I’d become obsessive again—hyper fixating on every morsel of food and every gram logged. But instead of trying to hit my macros perfectly every day, I leaned into progress > perfection.
Here’s what changed for me:
- 95% consistency became my goal. I learned that I didn’t have to be perfect to see results. If I was hitting my macro goals 6 days of the week (while still fitting in the ChickFilA biscuit or ice cream out with my husband), that 7th day didn’t have to be spot on! Same goes for travel!
- Flexibility gave me freedom. Not only did learning how to actually eat the previously “off limit foods” DAILY while hitting my goals help me heal from my perfectionist mentality, it also allowed me to travel and eat fun foods without guilt!
- Long-term success came naturally. I was FEELING good in my new lifestyle, I was learning to let go of perfectionism, and I was getting results.
Why Consistency Beats Perfection Every Time
If you’re all over the place with your plan, your body has no clue what’s happening. But when you’re consistent—even 95% of the time—your body responds.
✨ Here’s the difference:
- Route 1 (perfectionism): You stress over every bite, feel overwhelmed, and eventually give up.
- Route 2 (95% consistency): You build sustainable habits, see results, and feel motivated to keep going.
By staying consistent while eating the foods you love, you’ll feel GOOD and hit your goals—without the mental strain of perfectionism.
What You Actually Need to Succeed
What if I told you that you don’t need extreme plans to see results?
✨ What you need is:
- A sustainable plan that fits your life.
- A flexible approach that includes your favorite foods (🍩, anyone?).
- The right tools to track and adjust your progress.
Perfectionism doesn’t have to keep you stuck. With a plan focused on progress, flexibility, and sustainability, you can finally reach your goals while enjoying your life.
