Progress over perfection - my lesson for May 2026

Regular readers of my blog might remember my January morning routine was to start the day with a walk before work. My 2026 word for the year is self-investment and doing something for myself first thing each day was a great start. Unfortunately getting a virus from hell meant February was spent recovering and then in March I spent weeks battling a sore throat and sinus issues.

Thankfully I was better by the time I went on leave and could enjoy our holiday in April which was amazing - I really needed the time in nature soaking up the Kgalagadi. The pic above is one afternoon at the restaurant in Twee Rivieren, I was feeling super happy after a morning drive. My wildlife photos will be shared soon, I’m hoping to do a post shortly :)

May was the month I finally got back into a fitness routine. I had no plan, just an intention to be more active (it is winter and that used to be one of my favourite excuses to skip a workout).

I started slow and after work we’ve been going for a walk which has been an awesome start to the evenings.

On the weekends we have been walking before breakfast or doing an afternoon run/walk. Combined with healthier eating - I’ve made reading labels and meal planning a priority - I’m feeling better and less tired. Instead of making excuses I tried to do as many workouts as I could and managed 18 in total for the month.

What struck me about May was that I was alot more mindful than earlier this year and this soon became a daily habit.

Grocery shopping and meal planning became easier. No last minute rushing to the shops for a forgotten ingredient when we have made a proper grocery list. Cooking is a part of our evening we take time to enjoy before eating and savoring our dinner. We’ve even managed to cut down on our sugar intake (again reading labels, looking at healthier alternatives when choosing a snack or a dessert has had its advantages).

And while I cannot say I’ve dropped a dress size or I have more energy than ever before I can say that I finally understand the phrase “progress over perfection”.

Because self improvement isn’t an overnight job. It is made up of so many small steps. So much of it is about showing up for yourself again and again. Making the effort, doing the work and then doing it all over again the next day. And May was the month I did just that. And this mindset of doing little bits every day, flowed into other areas of my life.

I drew up a budget, stuck to it and resisted mindless online shopping. In fact when I calculated the total that I spent at the end of the month I was really surprised (and extremely proud).

I set a boundary that was long overdue and realised that my people pleasing habit needs to go. Being liked and being respected is not the same thing. Constantly saying yes (and being a doormat at work at times) has meant my own work gets puts to one side and I’m expected to juggle. I can confirm that at the age of 43 I’m tired of juggling.

How was your May?

xx