The Real Secret to Health and Happiness? It’s Not Perfection.

Set Reasonable & Realistic Expectations

A little effort, made consistently, wins the health and happiness long game.

You may find that you need to refine your goals and expectations to match reality and your own capacity.

Just like anyone on a health journey, you might be juggling long workdays, caring for family, managing stress, or just trying to keep up with life.

That’s OK. It’s normal.

Do Less, But Do It More Consistently

You don’t need to put in a “perfect,” 100% effort… as long as you’re consistent.

Research shows that even a 10% effort, done consistently (that’s the key), can still bring meaningful progress when it comes to health and body composition.

💡 Consistency always beats intensity done in short bursts.

Of course, putting in more effort, more often, will accelerate results. But when it comes to sustainability, small efforts that you can stick to matter most.

When you give a little, regularly, you build momentum — and momentum builds change.

The Same Is True for Sleep (and Everything Else)

This concept doesn’t just apply to food or workouts. It’s equally important for behaviors like sleep.

Trying too hard to get “perfect” sleep can actually backfire.

There's even a name for it: orthosomnia — insomnia caused by being overly fixated on sleeping well.

The same principle shows up everywhere:

• Chasing performance without rest leads to burnout.

• Holding unrealistically high standards often leads to paralysis.

• Being “all in” or “all out” keeps us stuck in the cycle.

  
  

Think on a Continuum — Not All-or-Nothing

Instead of thinking, “If I can’t do it perfectly, why bother?” — ask:

✨ What’s one small thing I can do today that moves me in the right direction?

That one thing, repeated often, has the power to reshape your body, your mind, and your overall health — without burnout, guilt, or obsession.

Because health and happiness aren’t found in chasing perfection.

They’re built through steady, faithful, grace-filled progress.

Here for your continued success,

Julie

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Need a little support or suggested actions to get that motivation going? I'd love to help. Please feel welcomed to book yourself in for a 30 minute or 1 hour coaching call to chat rest, recovery, nutrition, fitness or general health goals.

Book those here: Book Fitness, Nutrition and Coaching Calls | Julie Hodge Fitness.