How are your 2026 goals progressing?

Are you moving forward… or feeling stuck?

Have you caught yourself thinking you need to perfect the goals you set before you can truly feel good about them?

I used to be there.

If I missed one day, one workout, one deadline, or made one decision that didn’t align perfectly with my plan, I would quietly label it as failure. And that label would stall me far longer than the mistake itself ever did.

What has been freeing and a struggle to get to is learning to extend grace to myself. To forgive the missteps. To laugh at some of the “what was I thinking?” decisions. To see them as part of the story rather than proof that I’m incapable.

It’s not easy to let go of perfectionism. But it is possible. And it changes everything.

Below are a few ways to begin releasing the pressure of projected perfection.

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One of the Biggest Obstacles to Achieving Goals Isn’t Lack of Effort—It’s Perfectionism

Many people don’t quit because they don’t care.
They quit because they believe one imperfect moment invalidates their effort.

One missed day becomes, “I’ve fallen.”
One imperfect week becomes, “I guess I can’t do this.”

But that’s not truth. That’s pressure talking.

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Progress Isn’t Linear—and That’s Okay

Life will definitely interrupt your plans.
Schedules will change. Energy will fluctuate. Emotions are going to shift.

None of this means you’ve failed.

Growth is rarely a straight line. It’s a series of adjustments, recalibrations, and small returns to what matters.

I’ve learned that sometimes progress looks like momentum—and sometimes it looks like simply CHOOSING not to quit.

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Replace “All or Nothing” Thinking

Instead of:
“I fell off.”

Try:
“I’m learning what works for me.”

Instead of:
“I failed.”

Try:
“I can restart.”

The ability to begin again is a powerful skill. It’s a mature skill. And it’s one we can practice daily.

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Self-Compassion Creates Sustainability

Goals rooted in kindness and flexibility last longer than those built on pressure and self-criticism.

When you allow room for imperfection, you will make progress possible.

You also make joy possible.

Perfectionism promises control—but grace produces growth.

If you’ve stumbled in your 2026 goals, you’re not behind. You’re human.

Give yourself permission to adjust.
Give yourself permission to laugh.
Give yourself permission to begin again.

It’s not easy to let go of perfectionism. But give it a try.

I’d love to connect and hear how you’re doing.

For a one on one session, email bianka@kruegercoaching.com or call 518.810.7850, to schedule an appointment. Evening and weekend hours are available.