Overcoming Perfectionism with Yoga: Building Habits That Last
If you’ve ever set ambitious goals only to feel derailed at the first sign of imperfection, you’re not alone.
Perfectionism thrives on all-or-nothing thinking: “I missed one yoga session, so why bother?” Guilt and shame can keep us stuck in a cycle of starting over and giving up.
But here’s the truth: you are already whole, complete, and enough just as you are. Yoga reminds us that habits aren’t about fixing ourselves; they’re about exploring and growing while treating ourselves with compassion.
The Problem with Perfectionism
Rigid rules can stifle progress.
One of my online yoga students shared a brilliant example of this.
She believed yoga must be practised on an empty stomach, but she couldn’t start the day without coffee. This belief led her to skip yoga altogether.
When she gave herself permission to bring her coffee onto the mat, her practice became consistent—and, dare I say, far more enjoyable. Letting go of “perfect” allowed her to embrace her practice in a way that fit her real life.
This is where Ahimsa (kindness) comes in. Habits don’t require perfection; they just need you to keep showing up, even if it’s messy or caffeinated.
Finding Discipline Without Self-Criticism
Tapas (discipline) is about steady, sustainable effort—not punishing ourselves for imperfection.
I was reminded of this when I picked up my saxophone after a two-year break. Let’s just say it wasn’t my finest hour—squawking notes and all!
I could have buried the saxophone at the back of the wardrobe, but instead, I left it out where I’d see it daily. I started small, with just a few scales each day. It’s far from perfect, but I’ve rediscovered the joy of making music.
Discipline is about showing up consistently, not flawlessly.
Balancing Growth and Contentment
Yoga also teaches us Santosha (contentment) and Svadhyaya (self-awareness).
Contentment doesn’t mean giving up on goals; it means recognising that you are enough as you are, even while striving for growth.
Instead of letting guilt or shame guide you, reflect on your habits with curiosity. Ask yourself:
• Why am I doing this?
• Am I being kind to myself in the process?
• How can I celebrate my progress instead of fixating on perfection?
Self-awareness helps us reframe setbacks as part of the journey, not a reason to stop altogether.
Practical Tips for Imperfect Habits
1. Start Small – Commit to just 5 minutes a day to build consistency.
2. Reframe Setbacks – Treat missed days as a chance to learn, not a reason to quit.
3. Practice Kindness – Speak to yourself like a supportive friend.
4. Celebrate Progress – Focus on the times you did show up, however imperfectly.
5. Reconnect with Your Why – Remind yourself why this habit matters to you.
Embrace Imperfection and Keep Moving Forward
Building habits isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up with kindness, persistence, and joy—whether it’s rolling out your mat for 5 minutes or playing a few wobbly saxophone scales.
Want to build a yoga habit that feels light and joyful? Download my free 30-day Five-Minute Morning Yoga Challenge from the Happy Yoga Wales Store. You’ll get a video to follow along with and a PDF tracker to keep you on course—no perfection required!
How to Get Started with your FREE 5-Minute Morning Yoga Challenge:
1. Watch the Video
Head over to YouTube and follow the 5-minute sequence. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for beginners. Don’t forget to hit “subscribe” to stay inspired!
2. Download the Tracker
Stay motivated by grabbing your PDF tracker from Happy Yoga Wales. Check off each day you complete the challenge and watch your streak grow
3. Take It Offline
Prefer practicing without distractions? Download the video from the Happy Yoga Wales Store and watch it anywhere—no Wi-Fi needed.
4. Join the Membership
If you’re ready to go beyond five minutes, my Online Yoga Membership has you covered. With a video library packed full of movement, mindfulness and more, you’ll find everything you need to stay consistent and feel your best.
Keep It Fun and Flexible
Yoga isn’t about nailing the perfect pose—it’s about feeling good in your body and mind. Celebrate every wobble, every stretch, and every small win. This 5-minute morning yoga challenge isn’t just about the poses; it’s about creating space for yourself, one morning at a time.
About the Author
Hello! 👋🏼 I’m Paula Roberts, Head of Happiness at Happy Yoga Wales!
I am a passionate advocate for accessible wellness with over 20 years of experience in education, first as a fully qualified school teacher, and now as a 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance International, a Level 3 Personal Trainer, and certified Laughter Yoga Leader.
With a busy mind that’s always buzzing, and as a self-confessed Recovering Perfectionist, movement has been my go-to for finding calm and clarity. Yoga has been my anchor, helping me slow down, reset, and thrive. It’s my mission to share that with you through my approachable and down-to-earth teaching style. Find out more about my journey here.
See you on the mat for Less Stress & More Yoga ✨
Paula 😃🙏
Practice with me! 😃
Before you go, I’d love to invite you to join my online movement & mindfulness classes!
Sunrise Stretch classes are donation-based live yoga classes with 20 minutes of movement followed by 10 minutes of mindfulness or other amazing well-being practices like Laughter or Face Yoga. You can also join me on replay by subscribing to the online Video Library for just £10 per month!
Whether you’re 8, 80, or anywhere in between, there is something for every busy mind at Happy Yoga Wales!
As well as diving into my guided practices on YouTube, you can join us live at classes and courses in North Wales and upcoming events throughout the UK!
And if you’re interested in bringing the benefits of yoga, laughter, face yoga and mindfulness to your community or workplace, get in touch for a private session tailored to your needs.
Did you see us on TV? 😃 Check it out!
