Low Expectations Lead to Greater Success

"Set modest goals. Focus on what you can realistically achieve. Once you succeed, gradually aim higher." — Jordan B. Peterson

Engaging in self-improvement can become addictive. The initial small victories you experience will draw you in. For instance, you may have read countless articles advocating daily exercise. Finally, you commit to a simple 10-minute morning workout. After just a week, you notice increased energy and improved productivity.

However, after a month of consistent exercise, you might find that while your mental state has improved, there hasn’t been much change in your weight. Upon researching weight loss strategies, a common piece of advice emerges: reduce unhealthy food intake. You then limit junk food to once a week and incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your meals.

This dietary shift brings you more energy, enhances productivity, and clears up your skin. Yet, you might miss indulging in your favorite snacks, leading you to learn cooking and meal prepping, making healthy meals both easy and enjoyable.

Wouldn't it be amazing if you could implement such changes in your life and remain committed to your self-improvement journey? You absolutely can! If I can do it, so can you. The key is to keep things straightforward and manageable.

While self-improvement can be challenging, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Recognize that making one small improvement each day can significantly enhance your life. This could be anything from working out, writing, or reading—just choose one and stick with it.

Avoid the temptation to tackle everything at once; this will likely lead to burnout and abandonment of your goals. A single small change can trigger a cascade of positive habits that elevate your quality of life. A simple daily ritual, approached with consistency and dedication, can transform your entire lifestyle.

The Power of Consistency Over Intensity

Consistency will always outperform intensity. Engaging in a small action daily yields better results than attempting multiple habits all at once but only once a week.

Initially, progress may feel slow, and frustration may tempt you to give up. Yet, as your new habit begins to yield results, you'll appreciate its value. In the early stages, changes may be minimal, but with time, you will witness the cumulative effects of that one new habit.

When starting an exercise regimen, for example, you might struggle with performing 20 squats on day one. However, after a month, that number could easily double as you warm up. The soreness you feel initially will give way to increased strength and endurance.

As the original habit becomes easier, don't hesitate to challenge yourself further. While starting with modest goals fosters progress, failing to raise your standards when you see improvement may result in stagnation. Conversely, setting overly ambitious goals too soon can derail your momentum.

Embracing Imperfection

Striving for perfection often leads to a cycle of disappointment. You may find yourself obsessing over the minutiae of your work, waiting for it to be flawless before sharing it with the world.

Perfectionism can thwart more dreams than mere ignorance. A beginner who acknowledges their limitations may publish their work without high expectations, feeling fortunate if it resonates with a few. In contrast, a perfectionist may toil for days seeking validation from others, expecting universal admiration for their efforts.

This mindset of perfectionism can breed entitlement. The world does not owe you praise for your work. In many cases, your efforts may go unnoticed, and if you do receive attention, prepare for criticism.

Instead of fixating on perfection, focus on simply being "good enough." Recognizing your progress, however small, will reassure you that you are improving. Aim to be better than you were a month ago, or even a year ago.

Your ultimate goal should be to achieve a level of adequacy that allows for continued growth.