"Are you tired of another year of almost?" When I first heard this quote, it hit me like a ton of bricks. It's a simple yet powerful wake-up call—a reminder that "almost" achieving something is more dangerous than failing outright. Why? Because "almost" can trick us into thinking we're progressing, but in reality, it leaves us stuck in a cycle of mediocrity, teetering on the edge of success but never fully crossing the line. If this resonates with you, you're not alone.
Many of us fall into the trap of “almost,” missing out on the real rewards of our efforts.
The truth is, “almost” can feel like a failure wrapped in the guise of progress. It’s a frustrating space to live in, knowing you’ve put in the work but still haven’t crossed the finish line. But here's the silver lining—being stuck in the realm of "almost" isn’t a permanent state. The real challenge is recognizing when you’ve been spinning your wheels and deciding that it’s time to change the narrative.
If you’ve been on the verge of success, whether it’s in fitness, your career, or personal goals, and haven’t quite hit the mark, this article is for you. Let’s dig into why you keep falling short and, more importantly, how to break the cycle and start living in the realm of “done.”
The Allure and Danger of "Almost"
There’s a reason “almost” can feel so deceptive—it gives you a sense of progress without the tangible results. You’re moving, but are you moving forward? It feels like you’re getting closer, but close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. This illusion of success can keep you stuck longer than outright failure.
The Psychology of "Almost" "Almost" often feels good enough to keep us from fully committing but bad enough to keep us dissatisfied. Studies in psychology have shown that we tend to overvalue progress that feels within reach. A phenomenon called the "endowment effect" explains why people value things they "almost" own more highly than things that aren't as close within their grasp. This same principle can apply to our personal goals. We get attached to the proximity of success, allowing it to convince us that we don’t need to make drastic changes because we’re "almost there”.
But here’s the kicker—staying in the cycle of “almost” is mentally draining. Each time we fall short, even if by just a little, it chips away at our confidence. We start to doubt our abilities and question whether success is even possible.
Breaking the Cycle of Almost
So how do you break free from this trap? It all starts with mindset—making the mental shift from “almost” to “done.”
1. Identify Your Patterns
First, you need to recognize where you’ve been living in the realm of “almost.” Look at the areas in your life where you’ve been getting close but never finishing strong. It could be that weight-loss goal, the business idea you keep tweaking but never launching, or the fitness routine you stick with for a few weeks before falling off.
Ask yourself these questions:
Where am I consistently falling short?
What habits or behaviors are contributing to this?
What have I been unwilling to change?
It’s often uncomfortable to face these truths, but it’s the first step toward real progress.
2. Stop Playing Small
One reason we get stuck in "almost" is that we’re not playing big enough. We take half-measures or go after smaller goals, thinking they’re easier to achieve. But in reality, these small goals keep us trapped in mediocrity.
Think about this: If you aim for “okay” results, that’s all you’ll ever achieve. But if you aim for greatness, even if you fall short, you'll still land further ahead than you would have otherwise. The law of attraction teaches us that you get what you focus on—so stop focusing on the bare minimum and start setting your sights on bigger, bolder objectives.
3. Commit to Bold Action
If you’re tired of “almost,” it’s time to stop dabbling and start committing. Commitment isn’t just about setting a goal; it’s about putting systems in place that make success inevitable. Start asking yourself, "What would I do if failure wasn’t an option?"
This concept is rooted in decisive action, a mindset shift highlighted in the book The ONE Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. They stress the importance of focusing on the one most important task that will lead to your desired outcome and taking consistent, bold actions to achieve it. Instead of spreading yourself thin over many tasks, pick one major goal and pour everything into it.
4. Ditch Perfectionism
Another key reason we get stuck in the "almost" zone is perfectionism. We think we need to wait until everything is perfect before taking the next step. But perfection is the enemy of progress. The truth is, nothing will ever be perfect, and waiting for the “right” moment is just another excuse to delay action.
Embrace the idea of "good enough." This doesn’t mean settling for mediocrity, but it does mean understanding that progress is better than stagnation. As entrepreneur and author James Clear points out in his book Atomic Habits, small, consistent improvements compound over time to create extraordinary results.
5. Create Accountability
If you’ve been "almost" achieving your goals for years, chances are you need a stronger accountability system. It’s easy to let ourselves off the hook, but when someone else is holding us accountable, we’re far more likely to follow through.
This could be as simple as sharing your goals with a friend, hiring a coach, or joining a group with similar objectives. Studies show that having accountability can increase your chances of success by up to 95%. Find someone who will push you to go the extra mile and hold you accountable to your promises.
The Power of Consistency
Breaking the cycle of “almost” isn’t a one-time event. It requires consistency. The people who achieve extraordinary results aren’t necessarily the smartest or the most talented—they’re the ones who show up day after day, even when they don’t feel like it.
In The Slight Edge, Jeff Olson talks about the power of small, consistent actions compounded over time. He argues that success isn’t about making huge leaps but about taking small steps every day in the right direction. This is where many people fall short—they put in the effort for a while, but when results don’t come quickly, they quit. If you’re tired of “almost,” you need to commit to consistent, daily action.
Mindset Shift: From "Almost" to "Done"
One of the most powerful ways to shift out of the “almost” mentality is to start thinking of yourself as someone who finishes what they start. Mindset is everything. If you see yourself as someone who always falls short, that’s the reality you’ll create. But if you start to see yourself as a finisher—as someone who gets things done—your actions will begin to align with that identity.
Consider this advice from psychologist and mindset expert Carol Dweck. In her research on the "growth mindset," Dweck found that individuals who believe they can improve and grow are far more likely to succeed than those who have a fixed mindset and believe their abilities are set in stone. Start believing that you have the ability to go from “almost” to “done,” and your actions will follow suit.
The Benefits of Escaping “Almost”
Once you break free from the cycle of “almost,” the benefits are massive:
Increased Confidence: Every time you finish what you start, you build self-trust. You prove to yourself that you’re capable of achieving your goals, which boosts your confidence for future endeavors.
Momentum: Success creates momentum. Once you start finishing things, it becomes easier to keep going. The "progress principle" explains that making meaningful progress fuels motivation and enhances well-being.
Real Results: At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is results. Almost losing weight, almost starting that business, or almost reaching your fitness goal doesn’t count. Results are what matter, and they only come when you move beyond “almost.”
The Time is Now
We’ve all had years that were filled with "almost." Almost hit that fitness goal. Almost launched that business. Almost transformed your health. But the time for "almost" is over. Now is the time to act. Don’t let this year slip away like so many others—make today the day you stop chasing almost and start living in the realm of done.
Ask yourself right now: What have I been “almost” doing? Is it fitness? A personal goal? A career change? Whatever it is, make the commitment today to break the cycle. You’ve got the power to change your narrative and create the life you’ve always dreamed of—but it requires action.
This is your wake-up call. No more “almost.” It’s time to step into the realm of done.
Are you tired of another year of "almost"? It’s time to leave behind the frustration and step into a community that truly pushes you toward success. At our studio, you’re not just joining a gym—you’re joining a tribe that’s committed to helping you thrive. With expert coaching, personalized programs, and an atmosphere built on support and accountability, we’ll take you from almost to absolutely crushing your goals. Don’t wait any longer—your future of strength and confidence starts now. Call or text us at 973-352-0933 to schedule a free assessment and start living life without limits!
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