According to psychologists, most people fail because they focus too much on the small things. After all, life is full of details. If all you focus on are the small things, you won’t get the big things done. The same applies to fitness, sports, career, and almost any area of life.
Let's say you want to drop a few pounds and build lean muscle. Prioritize clean eating and regular exercise rather than stressing over small scale fluctuations. The whole point is not to waste major time on minor things.
Follow the 80/20 Rule
Ever heard about the 80/20 rule? Also known as the Pareto principle, it states that 80 percent of our results will come from just 20 percent our actions. So, how does it translate in the real life?
Take a look at your to-do list. It probably includes buying supplements or a new fitness watch, shopping for a cool tank top, or trying out that new diet pill. Or check out your fitness journal - how many pages did you write about diet slip-ups or the latest weight loss plan you’ve read about?
The truth is that these things don't really matter. It's the big picture that makes the difference. For instance, one big meal won’t ruin your diet just like one good meal won't help you get leaner. The small details distract us and lead to failure.
If you want to succeed, focus on the big picture. Eat clean and stick to your workouts 80 percent of the time. Dedicate the remaining 20 percent to the minor things like trying a new supplement, finding the "best" program or finding the "perfect" diet. All of these things are largely distractions from the more important things, like consistency.
Consistency Is King
Just like in all areas of life, consistency is the key in fitness. If you’re consistent 80 percent of the time, success will follow. Stop worrying about whether what you're doing is “perfect”. Don’t get lost in the details or expect perfection from yourself. That’s a recipe for failure.
Make a plan and stick to it. If something changes or goes wrong along the way, move on. Return to your plan and continue to fight for your goals. Don’t let your environment control you.
Imagine, if you missed brushing your teeth one time or even for one day, would you quit? Would you say you "fell off the wagon?" Or would you simply brush your teeth at the next routine time- Shouldn't the same apply to your workouts or nutrition?
Prioritize the things that really matter, such as basic nutrition, compound lifts (and mastering them), and keep an eye on scale trends over time. This will free you up to focus on the steps needed to actually reach your goals.