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Day 11: Embracing the 1% Improvement - A Personal Journey



Welcome back to my blog, where today I'm diving deep into a lesson from the Precision Nutrition program that resonates with me on a profoundly personal level. It's about acknowledging and celebrating progress, no matter how small, and it's a lesson that's reshaping my approach to physical wellness and beyond.

The 90% Conundrum

Have you ever aced something, like scoring a 90% on a test, only to be asked, "What happened to the other 10%?" I have, many, many times. I'm sure I've asked that question myself, oops.

This question, though seemingly innocuous, can significantly impact how we view our achievements. For me, it's been a recurring theme, transforming what should be moments of pride into feelings of inadequacy for not reaching 100%. This mindset has often spilled over into my wellness journey, where a missed workout or a day of unhealthy eating felt like total derailments.

A New Day, A New Perspective

But here's the shift - instead of dwelling on what was missed or what went wrong, I'm learning to say, "That was yesterday; today is a new day." It's about giving myself the grace to move forward without the weight of past slip-ups dragging me down. I like that fresh start every day. Start where you are right now, you can't redo yesterday, you can learn from it though.

The Power of 1%

One of the most impactful exercises in the PN program involved reflecting on where we stand in terms of healthy eating, exercising, and other wellness habits, and then identifying what "1% better" looks like. For me, choosing 1% as my target was enlightening. It's a testament to the idea that consistent, small improvements can lead to significant changes over time, far outweighing the short-lived perfection we often strive for. Plus 1% better every day is not that much but if you add it up every day 1% better over a year is 365%! Way more than 100% better, right?

My 1% Commitments to Myself

Mental Health

Logging into the PN program daily, engaging with the lessons, and participating in workouts that includes meditation. Meditation is not something I have focused on before. It was mentioned in a few reviews I had read and that was surprising that they would include this in a nutrition program, but I guess not really if you think about it being holistic.

Nutritional Health

Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into my meals and snacks. This one is easy and hard for me. I do have a few allergies but really some days (as of today) I don't have the energy to always be preparing things. 1% better is my goal on this.

Physical Activity

Opting for the longer route during our daily dog walks after supper, benefiting both my furry friend and me it isn't that much further in distance but, again 1% better is the goal. 

Active Recovery: A Day at the Lake

Today's focus is on active recovery, which aligns perfectly with a family outing to the lake. Although our usual forest hikes are on pause while our dog is in heat (her last one before she gets spayed), the lake loop offers a refreshing 40-minute walk that's both invigorating and serene. It's a gentle reminder that wellness isn't just about the intensity of our workouts but also about finding balance and joy in the activities we choose.

Elevate your recovery game—explore more on our dedicated page.

Reflections

This journey with Precision Nutrition is teaching me more than just nutrition and fitness; it's guiding me towards a healthier mindset. By celebrating the small victories and embracing the concept of "1% better," I'm learning to appreciate my progress and understand that wellness is a journey, not a destination.

Stay tuned for more insights and personal reflections as I continue with the PN program. Here's to making every day a step towards a healthier, happier you.

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