The Power of Showing Up Imperfectly (Even if You Only Do 5 Minutes)

Because perfection isn’t the goal—consistency is.

We’ve all done it—looked at the clock, realized we don’t have time for the full workout we planned, and thought, “Well, forget it. I’ll just try again tomorrow.”

But here’s the thing… tomorrow comes, and something else gets in the way. Before you know it, it’s been a week, a month, maybe even longer since you last moved your body.

I get it. Life is busy. Mom life is really busy. But here’s what I’ve learned, both in my own journey and in teaching other women: you don’t need perfect conditions to make progress—you just need to show up.

💛 Why Imperfect Action Matters More Than Perfect Plans

Perfect plans are great in theory… until real life shows up.
Toddlers get sick. Schedules change. You’re tired. Your body feels different every day, especially during pregnancy or postpartum recovery.

If we only move when everything lines up perfectly, we’ll hardly ever move at all.

Imperfect action—like showing up for just 5 minutes—keeps the momentum going. It reminds your brain, “Hey, I’m someone who takes care of myself.” And that identity shift is powerful.

⏳ Five Minutes Can Do More Than You Think

It’s easy to dismiss short workouts, but here’s what even 5 minutes can do:

• Boost your energy and mood instantly

• Help relieve tension in your neck, shoulders, and back

• Reconnect you to your breath and posture

• Build the habit of movement so it’s easier to return tomorrow

• Give you a small win that ripples into the rest of your day

And here’s the secret: once you start moving, you often end up going longer. But even if you don’t, those 5 minutes still count.

🧠 The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

Instead of thinking:

“If I can’t do the whole thing, I might as well skip it.”

Try:

“Even a little bit is better than nothing—and it still moves me forward.”

This shift removes the all-or-nothing pressure and replaces it with grace. It allows you to show up exactly as you are, without guilt.

🧘‍♀️ How to Make “Imperfect Showing Up” a Habit

Here are some ways to weave this into your life:

1. Lower the Barrier to Entry
   Keep your mat out. Have a playlist ready. Make it easy to start without a big setup.

2. Use Short, Go-To Workouts
   Inside The Pilates Mom Studio, I’ve got tons of 5–10 minute flows designed for busy days. Knowing you have quick options makes it easier to hit play.

3. Pair It With Something You Already Do
   While your coffee brews, after you brush your teeth, or before bed—attach movement to an existing routine.

4. Celebrate the Small Wins
   Done is better than perfect. Give yourself credit every time you show up, even for a few minutes.

✨ The Ripple Effect of Imperfect Action

When you release the idea that wellness has to be perfect, it becomes so much more sustainable.
You start moving more often. You feel stronger. You build trust with yourself.

And those small, imperfect actions? They add up in a big way.

So the next time you only have 5 minutes—don’t write it off. Roll out your mat. Take a walk. Stretch your body. Breathe.

Because showing up for yourself, even imperfectly, is still showing up.
And that’s where the real power lies.