It’s OK to Suck, But It’s Not OK to Stop
And you know what? That’s okay.
This time of year, it’s easy to get down on yourself for not being perfect. But here’s the reality: you’re not going to be perfect. In fact, you might even flat-out suck when it comes to your fitness and nutrition routine during the holidays.
And that’s completely fine.
What’s not fine is giving yourself permission to stop altogether.
You don’t have to crush every workout, eat like a saint, or stay perfectly on track with your routine. It’s okay to have a subpar workout. It’s okay to roll into the gym 30 minutes late and only get half your usual work in. It’s okay if you only manage 1-2 workouts in a week instead of your usual 3-4.
But whatever you do, don’t stop.
Why? Because stopping is a slippery slope. I'm going to repeat one of my favorite James Clear quotes:
"Missing once is a mistake. Missing twice is the start of a new habit."
If you miss a day, that’s no big deal. Life happens. But if you miss two days, you’re setting the stage for a habit of skipping. And that’s a habit we can’t afford to form, especially now.
So give yourself a little grace this holiday season. Understand that it’s okay to be a little off. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s persistence.
Tips for Staying on Track During the Holidays
If you’re traveling or simply can’t make it to the gym, here are two simple tips to help you stay consistent:
1. Schedule your next workout or two before the holiday ends.
Before you pack your bags or dive headfirst into holiday festivities, plan your return to the gym. Book your next session in your app or write it in your calendar. Knowing exactly when your next workout is happening will help you mentally stay on track and avoid falling into a “stop” mindset.
2. Walk at your normal workout time.
Even if you can’t get to the gym, stick to your workout routine by going for a walk during your usual workout time. It doesn’t matter if the walk is 5 minutes or 50 minutes—what matters is that you’re staying active. Walking at the same time you normally work out can trick your brain into maintaining your routine, keeping you on track until you can return to your regular workouts.
The holidays may throw some curveballs, but if you keep showing up in whatever way you can, you’ll keep your momentum going. Let’s aim to be consistent, not perfect. When January rolls around, you’ll be glad you didn’t stop.
Keep going. You’ve got this.
December is tough. Let’s face it: the holidays are a whirlwind of distractions. Family coming and going, holiday parties, cookie platters appearing out of nowhere, travel schedules—it’s all enough to throw even the most disciplined person off track.
