There was a time when missing a training session would eat me up inside. I’d feel guilty, frustrated, and even question my commitment. In my mind, it was “all or nothing.” If I missed one day, I felt like I was falling behind. And those negative emotions are what stifle the progress.
But over time, I realized that mindset wasn’t sustainable. Life happens. Things come up. And holding myself to a rigid, unrealistic standard wasn’t helping me, it was hurting me.
That’s when I started using the 80/20 rule.
I aim to complete 80% of what I set out to do. That 20% becomes my contingency plan, the space where life can happen without guilt. If I miss a session, a meeting, or a task, I don’t beat myself up anymore. Instead, I acknowledge it, learn from it, and move forward.
Here’s the truth: getting 80% of your plan done consistently is still a huge win. Over time, it compounds into massive results. And by allowing yourself that 20% buffer, you free yourself from unnecessary stress and create space for self-grace.
Giving yourself grace doesn’t mean lowering your standards, it means being realistic, kind, and disciplined enough to keep moving forward even when the day doesn’t go perfectly.
