Focus on ongoing improvement, not achieving perfection, which isn’t reasonable.

Aiming for perfection isn’t necessary or obtainable. While trying to be perfect is admirable, small positive advances build a better life. If you’re doing better this week than last, the incremental change is positive progress.

Recently, I met Sam, who has been sober for a few weeks. He’s working on his program, but there’s a chance he could slip up and have a drink. He voiced concerns, and I explained sobriety is hard and if he’s trying today, that’s a win.

Instead of viewing relapse as a complete failure and giving up, I told Sam to acknowledge the mistake and recognize the weeks of sobriety as a significant achievement. Sam can always re-commit to sobriety, using the slip-up as a learning experience. This mindset shifts from seeking perfection to valuing progress is vital for maintaining long-term recovery and not getting discouraged by setbacks.

A perfect day for me includes not drinking, yes, but being kind and decent to others; otherwise, I’m okay with having a few failures. We have flaws and will continue to work on our defects. The victory is the progress you’re making and improving daily.

* For Sober coaching with Justin, click here.

** For Justin's 90 Days of Sobriety course, click here.

*** To buy Daily Sober, click here.