The Power of Taking Imperfect Action

I recently sent an email out to my subscribers (if you missed it don’t forget to subscribe to my email list at the bottom of this page) and someone asked me how this applies to nutrition. So, first, see the original email below, and then I’d like to walk you through an example of how to use this 3-step tool for hitting your goals.

Hi Friends!

I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to share something I learned this week that really stuck with me.  I think it’s something we can all use.

Sometimes we struggle to start something new or we procrastinate on our goals because we’re afraid of doing it wrong. But here’s what I’ve realized: there’s no “wrong” way—only opportunities to learn and grow.

This week I was introduced to a simple concept:

Decide. Take Action. Evaluate.

Here’s how it works:

1. Decide: We often get stuck in indecision because we fear making a mistake or we think we are going to make the wrong decision. But the truth is, there is no wrong decision.  Every decision is an opportunity to learn and grow. Just make the decision and don’t second guess yourself.

2. Take Action: Do something… anything… even if it’s a small step and not perfect. It’s okay if things are messy.  The important thing is to move forward, even if it’s just a little bit.

3. Evaluate: This is probably the most important step… and the one I will personally need to work on the most.  After you decide and take action, take time to pause and reflect on these 3 questions: 

   - What went well?  

   - What could have gone better? 

   - What would you do differently next time?

   This reflection helps us learn and refine our approach.

This is something I started practicing in my own life, and I wanted to share it with you because I am certain it can be powerful in your journey too.

Now, let’s apply this to nutrition and health and see how these thoughts might play out in our brains:

Decide: I need to do something. I feel awful, my doctor said I’m pre-diabetic, and I just don’t have the energy to get through the day, let alone try to work out. What should I do? Pay for a diet app, follow the Mediterranean diet, try paleo, join a gym, cut out soda… there’s so much information out there, I don’t know what to do! Okay, I’m going to follow the Mediterranean diet. Decision made!

Take Action: I research what the Mediterranean diet means and clear my house of all the “bad foods.” I’m going to meal prep and eat healthy all week. Action: research, go to the store, meal prep.

Evaluate:

• What went well? I did really well incorporating nutritious foods into my diet. I didn’t eat as much sugar or carbs as I normally would. I noticed an increase in energy, and I feel pretty good about myself.

• What could have gone better? I spent so much time and energy just trying to figure out what to eat, and I spent all day Sunday meal prepping. I feel like I lost my weekend, and my thoughts were consumed with food—what I’m eating and what I’m not eating! I cheated a little bit and am regretting it. This is not sustainable.

• What would you do differently next time? I need to find a different approach. I can find simpler recipes, invest in a meal prep service, or hire a nutritionist who can simplify this process for me and show me my progress—versus allowing my thoughts of failure to make me give up on my decision.

The point here is that the person may feel like they didn’t accomplish much, but if they evaluate, they’ll see that they actually made great progress. They had a good week, and through the evaluation, they can recognize what worked and didn’t work for them.

It’s okay to be messy and imperfect - this just provides you the opportunity to adjust your approach or take another action toward your goal. The key is—once you decide, don’t go back and change your decision—evaluate and take another imperfect action!

I hope this resonates with you and inspires you to take action no matter how small! … and this can apply to every aspect of your life, personal goals, goals to start a non-profit or charity you’re passionate about, or maybe a new business venture. Just start with one small imperfect action at a time.

If you are ready to take the next step in your journey - I can help you. I have helped people to decrease depression and anxiety, gain better control over their blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol, reduce fatigue, lose weight, increase energy and more. If you are ready or want to learn more, email awakenmtm@gmail.com to schedule a 15-minute call and learn how I can help you reach your goals.