Let Go of Perfection

We talk a lot about them. But New Year’s resolutions set us up for failure.

Why?

Because we aim for perfection. We say things like “I’m going to eat whole foods, or work out everyday.”

When you do this, then missing a day feels like you’ve failed entirely. But you miss the point. The truth about any goal is that perfection is the enemy of progress.

Success is about momentum, not flawless execution.

Miss a workout or two? Who gives a shit!? Keep moving forward.

Don’t Delay Gratification

The goal is to feel good during the process, not at the finish line.

In fact, let’s stop working with finish lines in general.

Delaying gratification used to feel really important to me. I remember thinking it might be the most valuable skill my own kids could learn. But I think I had it a bit wrong. The real win is finding joy while working toward your goals.

Yes, hard work is uncomfortable, there will be days you don’t want to put in the work, but you plow through anyways. But overall you don’t want to constantly feel miserable in the process. If you feel like shit the whole time, then what’s the point?

So, you gotta build a system that lets you grow and enjoy the journey at the same time.

But how?

Pyramid of Priorities: A Framework for Success

This is where the pyramid thing comes in.

Picture your day to day life as a pyramid.

1. Your foundation of daily habits (nutrition, fitness, relationships, meditation, creativity). Your non-negotiables, like brushing your teeth you do them on a strict, every day routine.
2. Relationships spending time with friends, family, the people you care about most.
3. Big dreams (writing a book, launching a podcast, building a business). The current project you are working toward
4. Hobbies things you do purely for flow and joy. They evolve over time and don’t need results.
5. Work however you pay the bills. Can also change over time.

This simple structure keeps you grounded in clarity while allowing space to chase that big dream project. But it all starts with understanding what it means to “baseline” your first foundational layer.

Maintain Your Baseline Habits

Your baseline habits are the foundation. The first few layers of the brick wall.

While chasing big dreams, your daily baseline keeps you balanced.

It means that even if anything above the foundation doesn’t work out you’re still on solid ground. It also makes it way easier to manage your time while being healthy because you don’t have to think.

Just keep the system simple. Set MINIMUMS for yourself. For me, it’s:

• Exercise 30 minutes
• Read 10 minutes
• Eat 80% whole foods
• Meditate 10 minutes
• Create content 30 minutes
• Hours with family

These habits are the foundation that support everything else. Missing a day isn’t failure, it happens. But then I just get right back into it.

Although I really don’t miss a day often. Because if you look at the list they are all minimums. So it’s pretty easy to check them off each day.

Waterfall Action Board: Turning Big Dreams Into Daily Action

Ok, so what about the big goal?

That 3rd layer where you have at least one big dream project going on right now.

The simplest way to build momentum with this goal is to break it down.

Use a “Waterfall Action Board” to simplify your journey. For me it’s writing a book, so I’ll use that as an example.

1. Identify the Big Goal: Write a book
2. Break It Down: Outline timeline, chapters, research, drafts, editing.
3. Decide What to Outsource: Publishing, cover design, editing.
4. Prioritize Your Role: What’s the next step YOU must do?
5. Build A Daily habit: Write 1,000 words and edit yesterdays work.

Make Space for Hobbies Without Pressure

Remember, not everything needs to be a goal.

Hobbies are for fun, not productivity. Whether it’s singing, painting, woodworking, or running, these interests bring vitality to life.

When we set these things to the side too often then we feel less excited about chasing our big dream. In fact we might even get angry at it.

But hobbies don’t need to be monetized, or mastered, and just doing them a few minutes each day can have huge results on feeling good, so just do them.

Progress Over Perfection

Whether it’s January or July, your goals are always worth pursuing.

In the end, it’s all about progress. Forget perfect streaks. Build momentum. Keep moving forward.

And if you’re ever stuck remember, just keep learning.

Now, what’s your big dream? Let me know — I’d love to support you.

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