Progress Over Perfection
Try something for me: think of yourself 5 years from now. You’ve made it through whatever hardship it is you’re currently going through, living a happy, and full life. What is it that you would want to say to your current self?
“I’m proud of you.”
“You have no idea how strong you actually are.”
“You are going to do amazing things, with sports and in life.”
Those are a few things my current self would have said to myself 5-10 years ago.
Sometimes, when I get frustrated with my current progress on any given task, I use the above litmus test to bring me back down to earth. It humbles me while giving me a sense of gratitude. Ultimately, I go back to the story of every athlete, ever. They have not gotten to the point of success without many hours of practice, failure, and resilience. Something that needs to be talked about more? Success does not come without many, many “failed” attempts. The truth is, if you’re not failing, you’re not trying. Missed the mark on meeting your rehab goal? Great, that means you tried. Failed a return to sport test? Great, that means you tried.
Thinking of what our future selves would tell our current selves will give you an excellent perspective. Personally, I remember my junior year of high school, I was still recovering from a year-long injury and surgery recovery but finally able to run track again. WOW, was that a humbling experience. I remember my first time for my 400 meter run was about 12 seconds slower than my previous year (and if you know track, that’s painfully slow.) I made it my mission to improve my time that year. By the end of the year, I was still 4 seconds off my fastest time.
That next year though? You bet I made it my sole purpose to improve. I wrote the goal time I wanted to get on my wrist before every track meet (courtesy of my amazing coach, the power of manifestation works). The start of the season I think I had a “64” written on my wrist. Each time I’d hit my goal, I’d shave off a whole or half second. By the end of my senior year, I was running as fast as I ever had, and I was 4 seconds faster than my best time. I was again humbled.
Looking back, I think “heck yeah girl, you did that.” It was never about breaking records, being the best, or the fastest- but it was always about being the best version of myself- for myself and for my teammates.
And isn’t that what growth is all about? Whether it’s sports, rehab, or life, the goal isn’t perfection, it’s always about progress. So ask yourself: What would your future self say to you today?
Write it down. You might be surprised at how much grace and encouragement you’d give yourself.
In the meantime, know that I’m forever rooting for you. Ready to take the next step on your resilience journey? Book a call with me today.
