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No more all-or-nothing
Why perfect plans fail, and why 80 per cent in the long run gets you further than 100 per cent for two weeks.
The familiar pattern
The new plan starts on Monday. On Wednesday there's a slice of cake at the office. By Thursday it's: 'It doesn't matter now anyway.' And the following Monday it all starts again from scratch.
Why that doesn't work
Strict rules leave no room for real life. And a single slip then feels like complete failure.
The better question
Instead of 'Have I done everything right?', it's worth asking: 'What's the next good decision?' After the cake, you simply have a normal meal again.
The 80 per cent rule
If most of your meals fit your goals, you've achieved a lot. The rest can be enjoyment, spontaneity and life.
My tip
Strike the word 'again' from your vocabulary. You're not starting again. You're simply carrying on.
