5.23: Jillian Michaels: Effort Over Perfection

“It's not about perfect. It's about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that's where transformation happens.” - Jillian Michaels

What do you focus on more: Trying to be perfect or trying to be your best?

There are no perfect people and no perfect athletes. Very few athletes go through their entire careers with a perfect record, and even someone like the boxer Floyd Mayweather, who had a 50-0 professional record, loses rounds and gets knocked down. Despite having a perfect professional record, Floyd had an imperfect amateur record, going 84-6 before turning pro.

Fitness expert Jillian Michaels once said, “It's not about perfect. It's about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that's where transformation happens.” Instead of chasing perfection, chase the things perfection requires: Consistent, honest effort.

Let that be your guide, and you will probably get closer to perfection without the emotional letdown when perfection inevitably doesn’t happen.

I see too many people wait until everything is perfect, or wait until they have mastered something, or feel they are good enough to try something new. Of course, you don’t want to throw yourself into the deep end if you can’t swim, but if you never get in the water, you will never learn how.

When you stop judging yourself by perfect outcomes and start valuing your effort, you build confidence and grit. When you realize that nobody expects you to be perfect, you can focus on working hard and being your best - what everyone really wants from you.

Work hard, not perfect.

Question of the Day: How does the idea of perfection hold you back?