Improvement & Imperfection

“Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.” Thank you, Mark Twain.

Don’t know about you, but I’m reminded on a daily basis that I am human and imperfect.

Let’s not discuss the green smoothie I spilled all over my boss’s freshly detailed Denali, the first day of work, on our way to the courthouse to start a 4-5 week jury trial. “Hi, I’m Helen!”

ANYWAY.

Perfection will always be delayed because we are imperfect human beings. Continuous improvement is the answer to chasing ourselves, our goals.

Here are a few tips to kick yourself into gear this summer:

1. GET UP IN THE MORNING.

A good start on the road to improvement — get up in the morning. Especially during the summer when the heat and humidity are just too much to bear (or bare), mornings are the only sane time to exercise outside. And it’s still hot.

Here’s my new favorite running spot in Charlotte. Freedom Park around 6:10 a.m.

2. Add bodyweight exercises to your workouts.

Bodyweight exercises are strength training exercises that do not require free weights or machines. Your own weight provides the resistance against gravity. We’re talking push ups, burpees, lunges, etc.

No excuses. You are always with you. You can do bodyweight workouts anywhere. And these exercises, if done frequently, really do make you stronger. My running improved significantly once I added bodyweight training to the mix.

Here’s a bodyweight workout I made up and tried after a short run one morning last week. Give it a try before yoga, after spin class, on it’s own. Do it anywhere, anytime. But DO IT.

Click here: Bodyweight Exercise

And here’s the 3 Rounds breakdown:

^^^^ You can make this easier or more difficult. This is just a framework.

3. Do what makes you happy.

How many times have you heard this one?

BUT SERIOUSLY!

Do something that makes you happy or brings you joy each day. It could be a cup of coffee on your back porch first thing in the morning, or a bike ride at sunset, or a long walk with your best friend.

I’m not suggesting you crush eight slices of pizza and a dozen beers in one night (even if that does bring you joy). I’m saying, do things that make you feel good about yourself. Surround yourself with positive people who care about you. These things and people are just as important to continuous self improvement as a strict workout regimen or healthy diet.

Here are a few things that made me happy recently:

Tennis w/ fam squad