Perfection vs Attainability

I have had a realization.

Just because I know how to eat, exercise, and generally do anything perfectly in theory, doesn’t mean I can attain perfection in all these areas.

Sounds… logical, right? Here’s how this is a big deal for me to realize it.

I’m sure some of you recognize this in yourselves: I research everything to death. I am a pretty intelligent person and I am rather good at doing my research, finding the actual facts behind the headlines, and applying the “best practices” to any part of my life.*

The thing is, when I was starting to realize that, yes, I do sometimes have limitations I need to consider when trying to better myself, I started thinking about other areas that I perhaps may be frustrated about not being perfect in. I set the standard high for myself – that’s how I accomplish things I’d otherwise give up on when the going gets tough. However, if I set the standard too high, it leaves me frustrated and perpetually disappointed in myself. And I’d just decided not to get so down on myself like that.

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So what are the areas in which I may have been setting the bar too high for myself?

1. Diet perfection. I realized that I see the perfect diet as a hybrid between the approaches of Michael Pollan, veganism, eating clean, and eating whole foods. Added to that, all animals products need to be organic, as do most of the fruits and vegetables. There are to be no store-bought cookies or treats, soda, soy and white grains are out as well. Produce should be as local as possible, and try to eat as seasonably as possible.

Diet reality. I cannot afford this level of perfection. Not time-wise, and not money-wise. Yes, I have heard the tips & tricks on how to keep costs low and where to find money to “invest in my health”. But the fact of the matter is that we are on a tight budget, as well as on a tight schedule. If and when I start to earn more money, I will most definitely add in more of these elements to our diet. When I finish my degree, and when Amber is a little bigger, there will be more room in my schedule and in my brain for better menu-planning and shopping lists.

Until then? I shall do the best I can. If the organic meat is on offer, I’ll get it. If I feel we’re eating to much processed crap – my body usually tells me that – I’ll bring some focus back to whole foods. Most importantly, I will acknowledge the level of what we already accomplish, compared to the majority of the population. Weekly menu plans, fresh fruit & veggies every day, 99% of meals and snacks are home-prepared, and our diet is pretty varied.

2. Fitness perfection. My vision of a perfect fitness routine is one where I weight train three times a week. I work all muscles, using full body moves and dumbbells or perhaps kettlebells (no machines). I train all muscles to fatigue and recover sufficiently. Every six weeks I change the routine, or I keep doing different exercises for every sessions. Perfect fitness for me also means running three times a week, two 5Ks and a long run (10K). Add to that regular yoga sessions, and there you have it: perfection!

Fitness reality. Like with diet, I cannot afford this, either in time or in money. Mostly in time, but money also because there’s no way I’d keep this up without a personal trainer or classes. It also sounds like too much work. On the other hand, the Perfect Diet and Perfect Fitness appeal to me, because their elements make me feel good. I love hardcore strength/circuit training. There is a reason I cannot commit to “just 10 minutes a day” or similar baby steps. I do not like baby steps. I like giant steps. They give me the biggest bang for my buck, a sense of achievement. Yet at this point in my life – and most likely at any time in my life – I cannot maintain such a routine. At least not for long stretches of time.

Realizing this has made me more accepting towards these baby steps. If I don’t get a run in during the week, or don’t do a long run for a couple of weeks, it does not make me a lesser person. I still run. It doesn’t mean I’ve quit. I’m doing the best I can. “The best I can do” is also no longer an excuse, it is a promise I make to myself.

So my alternative to Perfect Fitness revolves around this promise. I need a frame of reference to work with my weekly schedule: I still need goals to work towards, even if some weeks go more swimmingly than others. I will still aim for three weekly runs. I am also going to try doing mini-weight training sessions daily. I was thinking something along the lines of alternating 20 push-ups, 50 crunches (different types), and squats & lunges throughout the week. I also ordered a couple of new workout DVDs to add to my library, and whenever I do find a slot, you can bet your behind I will be using them. I also plan to switch it up every now and then by attending a new class: yoga, maybe CrossFit, or a Kettlebell training. I’d also love to take a surf-class this summer.

So tell me the difference between your vision of perfection, and what reality is like for you. In which areas have you set the bar too high? Describe your Perfect Diet & Perfect Fitness.

* This is one of the reasons I find parenting to be so tough. It is an area where there is no definitive research. Ethics kind of get in the way of any hardcore research on kids and what will make them healthiest/happiest/etc It’s also why becoming a parent has made me even smarter – I now have and trust my intuition! – as well as more informed about how little I in fact know.

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