Progress, Not Perfection- Week 2 of Challenge

Check out my YouTube video to see the highlights for this week.

Welcome back to my weekly challenge update! Week 2 was all about embracing the mantra Progress, Not Perfection, a mindset that has been transformative not just for my wellness journey, but for life as a whole. This week brought its share of challenges and unexpected twists, but instead of letting them derail me, I leaned into the lessons they offered. Here's how it all went down:

The Reality of Progress: Adjusting on the Fly

My original plan for the week included meal prepping on the weekend—a routine that usually helps set me up for success. But life had other plans! Between a packed schedule and needing some downtime, meal prepping got pushed to later in the week. Initially, I felt the familiar tug of frustration creeping in, but then I reminded myself: progress isn’t about being perfect every time.

Instead of letting that hiccup throw me off, I worked with it. I prepped smaller batches of food midweek, which gave me fresher meals and reminded me that flexibility is just as important as discipline. Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned, and that’s okay!

A Conversation About Progress With My Teen

One of the highlights of the week was chatting with my teen about what Progress, Not Perfection really means. In our conversation, we explored how it's not about getting everything right the first time—or even every time—but about learning, adapting, and moving forward.

We talked about examples from their schoolwork and my fitness goals, and how focusing on progress can make the process more rewarding. We even shared a few laughs about the times we both felt like giving up when things didn’t go perfectly but found that pushing through brought the most growth.

These conversations are always so meaningful to me as a parent, and they remind me that being real and honest with my teen about struggles and successes is one of the best ways to model resilience.

Highlights From the Week

While the theme of the week centered around letting go of perfection, I still made strides toward my goals:

• Workouts: I adjusted my workout schedule based on energy levels and managed to hit all my planned sessions—just on different days than expected.

• Nutrition: Even without a perfectly planned meal prep, I stuck to my balanced eating plan by keeping quick, healthy options on hand.

• Mindset Work: Journaling about daily wins (big or small) helped me shift focus from what didn’t go as planned to what I accomplished.

  
  

Lessons Learned

1. Flexibility is key: Life happens. Whether it’s shifting a meal prep day or swapping a workout, staying flexible keeps the momentum going.

2. Celebrate small wins: Progress isn’t always obvious or flashy. Sometimes, it’s as simple as choosing a healthier snack or showing up for yourself when it’s hard.

3. Keep the big picture in mind: Wellness is a lifelong journey, not a one-week sprint.

   
   

Final Thoughts

This week wasn’t perfect, and that’s what made it perfect in its own way. Progress is about showing up, doing your best, and giving yourself grace when things don’t go as planned.

If you’re working toward your own goals, I hope this inspires you to focus on the progress you’ve made, no matter how small. Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about showing up for yourself, one step at a time.

How did your week go? Share your wins, lessons, or challenges in the comments—I’d love to hear them!

Stay tuned for next week’s update, where I’ll share how I tackled mindfulness and navigated the holiday chaos. Let’s keep making progress together!

Until next time,

Z