Welcome once again to Perfectly Good, our series dedicated to promoting progress over perfection. In our last post, Walking the Path: Practical Strategies for Embracing ‘Good Enough’ we delved into strategies for implementing the “good enough” mindset in your daily life. Today, we’re expanding on that conversation by exploring how you can cultivate this mindset into a sustainable habit.
The Power of Habits
Habits are the building blocks of our lives. The things we do consistently, day in and day out, define who we are and what we achieve. The key to truly adopting the “good enough” mindset is to transform it from an idea into a habit—a core part of your daily routine.
1. Start Small
It’s essential to remember that significant changes start with small steps. Just as you wouldn’t expect to run a marathon without training, don’t expect to entirely change your mindset overnight. Instead, aim for small, daily actions that align with the “good enough” approach.
For instance, instead of suddenly demanding that you disregard perfection in all aspects of your life, start by applying the “good enough” mindset to one specific task—like your morning workout, writing, or even cleaning the house. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection.
2. Cultivate Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for habit formation. It allows us to observe our thoughts and behaviors without judgment, making us more aware of when our perfectionistic tendencies begin to take hold.
When you notice thoughts of perfection creeping in, gently remind yourself of the “good enough” principle. It’s not about completing a task flawlessly—it’s about doing it and learning from it. Over time, mindfulness can help you automatically shift from perfectionistic tendencies to a more productive and healthy “good enough” approach.
3. Practice Patience and Persistence
The transformation from perfectionism to “good enough” isn’t instantaneous—it’s a journey that requires patience and persistence. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks or slower progress than you’d like. Remember, the aim is continuous improvement, not immediate perfection.
4. Positive Reinforcement
Reinforce your new “good enough” habits with positive reinforcement. Celebrate your progress and reward yourself for the efforts you’ve made. The reward doesn’t have to be grand—it can be as simple as taking a moment to acknowledge your effort or treating yourself to something you enjoy.
Conclusion
Adopting a “good enough” mindset is more than just a decision—it’s a lifestyle change. By consistently practicing this mindset, we can turn it into a habit that significantly improves our productivity, creativity, and overall well-being.
Remember, “good enough” isn’t about lowering your standards. It’s about making steady progress towards your goals without the undue stress of perfection. By transforming “good enough” into a habit, you’ll find it becomes a natural part of your life, paving the way for continual growth and success.
In our next post, we will discuss some resources for learning more about habit building. Stay tuned!
Jessica
Perfectly Good 
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