Have you ever thought, “If I could just stick to my plan perfectly, I’d finally get the results I want?”
It’s a belief many gay men over 40 carry, especially after years of hearing that our worth is tied to having the perfect body, flawless routines, and absolute discipline.
But perfection is a moving target that keeps you feeling stuck—and exhausted. The real magic happens when you let go of perfect and focus on progress instead. And the way you achieve that progress is through consistency.
Why Perfection Will Wear You Out
Chasing perfection can feel exciting at first. You’re locked into your meal plan, your gym schedule, and your “this time I’ll nail it” attitude.
Then life happens. Work piles up. Friends call with last-minute plans. You’re tired. Suddenly, one missed workout or one off-plan meal feels like you’ve blown the whole thing.
That’s how the cycle starts—the one where you keep starting over because you think anything less than perfect means you’ve failed.
Perfection might seem noble, but it’s fragile. One bump, and it all feels ruined.
Consistency Is Quiet, But It Works
Consistency doesn’t look as dramatic as perfection. It’s quieter. Gentler. But it’s how progress actually happens. Think of consistency like this: it’s the active ingredient that translates the mindset of “progress over perfection” into tangible, real-world results and sustainable habits.
- It’s choosing a shorter workout instead of skipping it.
- Adding a side of veggies to takeout rather than writing the whole day off.
- Reminding yourself that one indulgent meal doesn’t erase your week of good choices.
These small, imperfect actions add up over time. They’re the habits that build momentum—and the confidence that you can handle whatever comes your way.
Embracing Imperfection Is Powerful
Part of consistency is accepting that you’re human and things won’t always go to plan.
So many of my clients feel defeated after one “bad” week. But when we zoom out, they’re still ahead of where they started.
Progress happens in the messy middle—the part where you keep going, even if it’s not perfect.
That’s where real change lives.
Make Healthy Habits Part of Life, Not Another Project
Consistency gets easier when your habits fit into your real life.
Here are some examples I often coach my clients to practice:
- Do a five-minute stretch while your coffee brews.
- Carry a water bottle so hydration doesn’t fall through the cracks.
- Check in with yourself before eating: “Am I truly hungry or just stressed?”
- Prep one easy breakfast ahead of time to start your day strong.
- Look at the week as a whole, not one single day.
These are small. They’re not “perfect.” But they’re consistent—and that’s why they work.
It’s Your Long-Term Average That Matters
Your results don’t hinge on one day. They’re shaped by what you do most of the time.
Think of your health journey like an investment account. A single dip doesn’t erase years of steady deposits.
Progress over perfection means staying focused on the long-term average, not the occasional bump in the road.
Your Takeaway
Here’s what I want you to walk away with. Perfection sounds tempting, but it keeps you feeling stuck. Progress happens when you show up, even imperfectly.
Progress over perfection—and consistency—is how gay men over 40 can create real, lasting results.
It’s not about nailing every detail. It’s about the small steps you keep taking, day after day, that move you forward.
Let’s Keep This Going
What’s one small, imperfectly consistent habit you could start practicing this week? Let me know by sending a DM or connecting with me on Instagram or Facebook.
If you’re ready to build a plan that’s rooted in progress—not perfection—I’d love to help.
Book your Free Nutrition Snapshot here and let’s create sustainable habits that fit your life, not someone else’s idea of perfect.