In ADVICE + THOUGHTS, FITNESS

Sports bra (size 2) | Peony Leggings (size 2) | Nike Shoes | Zip Jacket in Coco Pique (2)

It’s been a quiet week on my blog due to a much needed break! Working for yourself is a great thing, but taking time to recharge and refocus is so important. I’ve been relaxing in paradise for the first week of the year with my family and Rach in Cabo and it’s been the perfect start to 2018. There’s nothing like 80 degree weather, especially when I see Chicago is freeeezing cold and covered in snow. I’ll have some fun Cabo content coming your way next week when my photographer gets here so stay tuned!

Tonight’s post is a topic I’ve been wanting to write about for a while. It’s something I’ve really struggled with, but also one of the most life altering pieces of advice I’ve ever taken to heart. I’m going into 2018 with this one little phrase in the back of my head that I constantly need to remind myself:

Done is better than perfect.

I wasted so much time in the past waiting on the perfect moment, idea, or feeling before I actually committed to something.

-Example #1 – I wasted so much time getting my blog started because I couldn’t think of the right name… my website wasn’t exactly how I wanted it…I didn’t have a long term plan.. the list went on and on.

-Example #2 – I literally went for two months last year without working out once because I thought one workout wouldn’t be ‘worth it’. I felt gross and then it was even harder to get back on track.

-Example #3 – I spent most days in 2017 (and before that) working 15 hour days and driving myself crazy. Until I finally realized I needed to hire help.

It’s scary taking big steps in your career, it’s hard getting back into a routine, and new ideas are always risky. But if you only did what was safe, easy, and predictable, then you’d never do anything great. The sooner you take baby steps and get momentum going in the right direction, the better off you’ll be. The timing will never be perfect and you’ll miss out on so many opportunities if you’re too much of a perfectionist. You can’t let the need for perfection in all things paralyze you. This applies to pretty much anything in life – whether it’s in your personal or professional life. Like your health and fitness goals for 2018 or finally asking for the promotion you know you deserve.

 If you were to ask the most successful men and women how they got started, I’m going to assume the majority of them would say that they just ‘went for it’ and made it happen. Making up your mind to get things going is the hardest part! Say yes now and figure it out as you go.

I made up my mind that in 2018 I’m really going to commit to living a healthy and fit lifestyle. Also, I’m finally giving up a little bit of control with my business and start to build a team. I’ve complained about these two these long enough and now it’s time to make moves.

What do you need to stop putting off in 2018?

What’s your ultimate goal you finally need to commit to?

Stop planning and start doing, because DONE is so much better than PERFECT.


Photography by @Aesthetiica at Midtown Chicago

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Showing 10 comments
  • Mahria Roberts
    Reply

    Thank you so much for posting this! I’ve struggled with this all my life. It’s so nice to finally see someone else talking about it, especially someone as successful as you! I’m really glad I’m not the only one whose felt so limited by the hope for perfection. I’ll be carrying the “done is better than perfect” mantra with me throughout this year too now.

  • Dynasty
    Reply

    Thank you so much for sharing this much needed advice, Olivia. The first example you shared is exactly where I currently am. I put off my blog for so long, and now I’m waiting on my brand stylist to send me my files for my branding. It will finally be here after a long 2 months of going back and forth with what of name would be best, what color palette is best, etc. the list could go on. I even struggled with obsessed perfection in my previous professional PR role, and my boss would always say “don’t let the perfect stop you from completing your work.” It killed me inside to complete projects with tight deadlines that I couldn’t work longer on to perfect. Maybe it’s a 4”11 gal thing? 😉 I am also 4”11, and I’m still so excited to be following a petite blogger who inspires me! I just want to thank you again for sharing this post. It’s just a reminder that doing your best is always “good enough.”

    Dynasty

    xo

  • Brittney Byus
    Reply

    Your Instagram always bring me to your page. Love love love. The dedication in your blog is so ever present— as well as your kind hearted personality! 🙌🏼💕

  • Julie Bethany
    Reply

    WOW thank you for writing this. I can’t tell you how much it was exactly the message I needed to hear today and echoed (and resolved!) a lot of my heartache and headache over wanting to have the perfect plan before just starting… thank you for my new mantra for 2018!!!

  • Jessica
    Reply

    Totally agree! Great motivation. And these photos are so fun!!

    http://www.jessicabroyles.com

  • Kathryn
    Reply

    This is such a great post for the new year – I love the thought to stop planning and start doing. 2018 is going to be a year of action for me, and I’m definitely excited for what’s ahead with my blog, design, and personal life. Thanks for sharing this piece of extra inspiration, lady!

    Kathryn • simplykk.com

  • Lucy
    Reply

    Amazing post!! I can totally be a perfectionist sometimes and it’s so true, done is better than perfect and progress is better than perfection. By the way, that outfit is out of this world though – I’d be super motivated to workout in that!

    Your newest breakfast obsession is easy, delicious and gourmet! Check out my newest post now… Blush & Bordeaux

  • Brianna
    Reply

    I want to get stronger and read ore in 2018:) http://briannamarielifestyle.com/

  • Jaime
    Reply

    This is too relatable. Sometimes we get stuck in the idea of everything being “just right” and don’t realize we should be trying and working towards our goals now, while we figure out the kinks in plan.

  • Roxanne
    Reply

    I absolutely agree! This post is so relatable. A mentor once told me to “go ugly, but early” and you’ll learn along the way. I think you look fabulous and wish you the best with your 2018 goals!
    —Roxanne
    http://glassofglam.com

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