Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. I’ve said this many times before, written posts about it, and hammered this point on podcasts, but it’s important to repeat regularly because so many of us fall into the trap.
What’s ironic is that the more you learn about nutrition, fitness, and health optimization, the more easily you fall into these patterns. The guy just starting out, knowing nothing, often ends up in the best place. He joins a gym, gets more exercise, cuts out junk food, eats simple whole foods, stops eating out so much, cuts carbs, adds more protein, goes for walks, gets some sun... and everything goes great. He’s healthier, fitter, leaner, and happier.
But then he keeps reading about health. He learns about farmed fish, grass-fed beef, bilateral versus unilateral exercises, EMF, circadian rhythm, artificial light at night, excipients in certain supplements, soluble vs. insoluble fiber… and he forgets about the basics to focus on the minutiae. He’s no longer just living his life; he’s become consumed by the pursuit of perfection, of optimizing everything he can about his lifestyle, diet, and fitness regimen.
In The Fellowship of the Ring, Gandalf cautions the adventurers about the dwarves of Moria, having dug too deep in their greed for gold and awakening something dark in the depths of the mines. Going too deep into the weeds on health can have similar effects—tarnishing the simple, effective beauty of basic health practices and getting you into trouble.
I mean, I’m no stranger to this feeling. I constantly have to remind myself to just stick to the basics. It’s a constant battle. Anyone who’s interested in health and consumes knowledge will face this, so I’ll keep reminding you guys—and you can keep reminding yourselves—to relax and let good health flow.
Can you relate? What do you do to avoid this pitfall? Chime in on Instagram or Facebook. 
