Does the 90% Rule Apply to You?

We often talk about the 90% rule – meaning that you generally need to be on plan at least 90% of the time to see results. Well, what if you’re 90% and the results aren’t there? Then perhaps you’re one of those people for whom that’s simply not good enough. More time at 90% when 90% isn’t working won’t suddenly make it start working.

I know for me, for example, 90% doesn’t cut it. I unfortunately get a whole lot of zero.

Try 95% for example. See how it goes. Adjust accordingly.

Obviously however, if you want the absolute most out of your plan, it’s going to take 100% compliance to it. 100% is also obviously going to get you to where you want to go as fast as possible; but yes, 100% will sacrifice some balance, but that’s the tradeoff really. If you have a deadline or say you’re working with a coach and have a limited budget/amount of time that you can work with them, then it only makes sense to make the most out of your investment and go 100%.

So decide. Do I want to take it slow and have a bit more balance, or do I want to get to my goal faster, sacrifice a bit of balance, and then really get to ease up, operate within a range of success, and have even more flexibility and balance. Maintenance of a goal is much easier than achievement of a goal.

Week in and week out at 100% is really the only true way to test and see if the extra effort makes the difference for you. If it does, then you can’t complain about less results from less effort. Plans only work to the degree they’re adhered to.

Don’t set your goals high if you’re not equally prepared to set your standards for yourself even higher.

Also, consider setting process goals instead of just outcome goals. A process goal is “I will follow my diet 100% of the time this week’. And then if you meet your process goals, your outcome goals (i.e. progress) will take care of themselves over time.