Why do I think that skipping a few days is okay. Even good? I used to not think that. If a “goal” didn’t get 100%, it was not worth it. If, say, I wanted to blog every-day and I missed one, why would I quit? I could start again the day after?
Instead, for much of my life, I have been punishing myself twofold. Once, due to the brittle discipline related to perfectionism. Second, due to the missed experiences of continuing the habit after that one gap.
I don’t want to use the word failure for the days missed, because I dislike the implications. Failure to keep the “perfect streak” sure. But that’s not the ultimate point of a habit, resolution, or goal. And if it is, that’s a problem. For me, it has not been. The goal always has been to establish healthier habits, learn a new skill, or shake up my life for novelty’s sake. And in those contexts, a two month “perfect streak” is a lot worse than a two year “broken streak”.
I don’t think that way anymore. Or I try not to. The shame that comes with that mentality makes the work feel like a chore. Perfection doesn’t work for you. It’s a flawed self-defense mechanism. Ze Frank said it best
“Perfectionism may look good in his shiny shoes, but he's a bit of an asshole and no one invites him to their pool parties” ― Ze Frank
Not thinking in a perfectionist way makes the activity more enjoyable to me. I have a conviction to do it. But I don’t force myself to it despite myself. Sometimes there are other priorities and that is ok. And my conviction will bring me back to the task. Despite the gaps. This relieves a LOT of pressure. Which adds more enjoyment to the task. Win win.