Consistency Over Perfection

Without opening my eyes, I twist my body, trying to crack my stiff back. I hear movement in the room, followed by the soft click of the bathroom door shutting. It's my husband starting his day. 

The heaviness in my eyes weights me down as a glance towards the glowing clock. '6:16am' It feels like I just shut my eyes for bed moments ago. 

Just yesterday, my best friend and I were talking about our 2025 visions and aspirations. It lit a fire within us. I got caught up in the excitement, rattling off lists of things we could do. One of those commitments? Meeting at the gym every morning at 6:15am.

But right now, the tiredness wins. I silence my ambitions for another 30 minutes of sleep. 

My eyes are still closed when a gentle kiss brushes my forehead. "I love you. I'm leaving for work," Tyler whispers. His footsteps echo down the hallway, fading as he heads toward the front door.

"Leaving for work?" I uttered groggily, turning toward the clock. 7:14 AM. An entire hour had slipped by, and I was still cuddled up under the sheets. My first client of the day wasn’t until 9 AM, but the guilt of sleeping in weighed heavy. I felt like I’d already failed the day before it had even started.

But then, a familiar analogy came to mind, one I’d read in a book earlier this year:
"A plant doesn’t grow because it’s watered perfectly every day—it grows because it’s watered consistently over time."

With that thought, I threw off the covers. Moments later my teeth were brushed and I was rummaging through my leggings. I wasn't going to let one set back define my day.  

In the past, I would have let a morning like this derail everything. I would've told myself there was no point in going to the gym later or shortening my workout out of frustration. But I've learned that perfection isn't the goal. It never was. Growth comes from pursuing consistency.

The next morning, I woke up to the same glowing alarm. I jump out of bed. Yet this time, my morning flowed with a sense of purpose. As I finished I sent a quick text: "On my way". My best friend hearts my message and I headed towards her direction. 

Here's the truth: Its not about giving it your all every time- It's about giving what you can consistently. 

What is one thing that you have been putting off because you are waiting for the 'perfect' time to start? 

You don't have to get it right every time, you just have to start. Perfection truly is fleeting but habits built overtime are what truly last.