Are you settling for less?

The 80/20 rule, widely endorsed by many health and fitness professionals, suggests that maintaining a healthy lifestyle 80% of the time allows for indulgence 20% of the time without compromising long-term health goals. This approach is purported to help individuals stay on track by reducing feelings of deprivation. However, I find this reasoning fundamentally flawed. Here’s why:

The Flawed Logic of the 80/20 Rule

Consider these analogies:

- Professional Performance: Would you tell your boss you only perform your job duties correctly 80% of the time? Or accept employees who only show up 80% of the time?

- Academic Standards: Would you encourage your child to aim for just 80% on their exams, suggesting there's no need to strive for 100%?

- Everyday Services: Imagine a mechanic fitting only three out of four tires on your car, or a cleaner leaving 20% of your house dirty. Would that be acceptable?

- Health Habits: Would a smoker be truly quitting if they still smoked 20% of the time? Or would you accept gasoline mixed with 20% sand for your car?

These scenarios highlight the absurdity of settling for 80% in critical areas of life. The same principle should apply to our health. The food industry, much like tobacco and alcohol industries, profits from our consumption of unhealthy, addictive products. Allowing ourselves to indulge 20% of the time perpetuates these addictions, undermining our health and well-being.

The Case for 100%

When advising my clients, I advocate for 100% commitment to their health. This isn’t about achieving perfection, which is an ever-evolving standard, but about consistently striving to do our best. Here’s why:

1. Empowerment: Telling people that 80% is enough implies they lack the potential to achieve more. This mindset sets them up for failure and mediocrity.
2. Addiction: Allowing 20% indulgence feeds addictive behaviors, making it harder to break free from unhealthy habits.
3. Self-Worth: Settling for 80% sends a message that we are not capable of more. In contrast, striving for 100% reinforces our worth and potential.

The Reality of 100%

Aiming for 100% doesn’t mean we will always hit the mark, but it means our standards are constantly improving. Today’s 100% might be tomorrow’s 80%, pushing us to continually better ourselves. This approach ensures we are always moving forward, rather than stagnating at a comfortable but suboptimal level.

Conclusion

While the 80/20 rule may seem practical, it ultimately limits our potential and perpetuates unhealthy habits. By striving for 100%, we empower ourselves to achieve more and live healthier lives. This commitment to excellence is not about perfection but about continuous improvement and self-respect. If you seek a health coach who believes in your potential to achieve 100%, I am here to support you in this journey. Let’s aim for more, together.

Citations:

[1] https://www.virtua.org/articles/the-80-20-rule-eat-healthy-and-have-your-cake-too

[2] https://www.businessinsider.com/why-nutrition-reporters-love-8020-rule-for-healthy-diet-2021-4

[3] https://www.muscleandfitness.com/flexonline/flex-nutrition/8020-rule-fitness/

[4] https://www.today.com/health/diet-fitness/80-20-rule-diet-rcna40951

[5] https://fullforcefitness.training/the-crucial-role-of-the-80-20-nutrition-rule-in-achieving-weight-loss-goals-insights-from-fitness-experts-at-full-force-fitness/