No gymnast is perfect. No human judge is perfect either. Everyone can make mistakes. People call that weakness “the human element.” Because of the human element, some gymnastics coaches tell their athletes to ignore scores. Why? Because they might get a 10 one week . . . and then a lower score the next week for the same quality of performance!

You’re human too. Have you ever tried to do something absolutely perfectly? Did you get frustrated? Here’s an idea. Next time you want to do something really well, set goals to get a little better each time. You’ll make progress. That’s way better than giving up because you couldn’t be perfect.

This God—His way is perfect. — Psalm 18:30

Try It!

For safety, start small with beginner moves. Every “perfect 10” gymnast begins here.

Balance on one foot. Someday, you may do this easily on a balance beam. But begin on the floor. Hold your arms out horizontally. Raise one leg, bent. Balance for at least five seconds. Too easy? Straighten your leg in front of you. Hold your arms over your head.

Log roll. Lie on your back. Raise your hands over your head. Lift your legs and arms—but only a little. Roll onto your stomach. From there, roll onto your back. Keep your ankles pressed together through the whole move.

Bridge. Again, lie on your back. Touch your palms to the floor beside your ears. Bend your knees. Elbows and knees point at the ceiling. Now lift your hips. Push the floor away from you with your hands and feet. Form a “C” shape with your body. Practice until you can straighten your legs and arms all the way.