THE 'ALL OR NOTHING' TRAP

The “All-or-Nothing” Trap: How to Break Free and Actually Make Progress

How many times have you told yourself: “I’ll start Monday.”

Or “If I can’t do it perfectly, I won’t do it at all.”

This is the all-or-nothing mindset — and it’s one of the biggest reasons people struggle to stick with health and fitness goals.

Why All-or-Nothing Doesn’t Work

Life will always throw curveballs: work deadlines, sick kids, bad weather, a surprise dinner out. If your plan requires perfection, you’ll constantly feel like you’re failing. And when you feel like you’ve failed, it’s tempting to give up altogether.

The Power of “Something is Better Than Nothing”

Instead of chasing perfection, chase persistence. Can’t get to the gym for your usual hour? Do 20 minutes at home. Missed your meal prep? Make the best choice possible with what’s available.

These “imperfect” efforts still add up — in fact, they’re what keep your momentum alive.

How to Shift Your Mindset

Redefine success. Success isn’t perfection — it’s progress.

Lower the barrier. Make your habits so easy you can do them even on your busiest days.

Think long-term. One day doesn’t define you, but your patterns over months and years do.

Bottom Line

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. You just need to take the next best step, every day, no matter how small. That’s how results — and confidence — are built.