Complexity is the enemy of execution, and perfectionism sets us up for an unwinnable game. Here’s what I’ve learned about making changes happen—and sticking to them over time.
Let’s take a simple example: you want to work out more often. Most people have an on-off relationship with exercise. They feel motivated and hit the gym three days in a row, only to skip the next three months. Why? Because they set the bar too high. In their minds, a “proper” workout has to be at least 60 or 90 minutes long, and nothing else counts. But life inevitably gets in the way.
A better approach is to make it embarrassingly easy. Instead of letting perfectionism push the bar higher, set it as low as possible. If you’re goal is to work out, decide that doing 20 pushups counts. Yes, you can aim for more—but your baseline commitment is 20 pushups. The point isn’t perfection; it’s consistency. And when you make it easy, it’s harder to find excuses not to do it.
You might feel silly setting such a low goal, but this method is proven to create lasting change. After months of sticking to it, you’ll find it easier to build on that solid foundation. And work your way up to your ideal of 60 minute workouts every day.
Remember, complexity and perfection stand in the way of execution—and that means they stand in the way of the changes you seek. So make it easy. Make it so simple that there’s no reason not to do it, even when life gets in the way. Then, build from there. That’s how real, lasting change happens.