
That’s why I’ve always taught my clients to use the 80/20 approach for fitness, but also other areas of life. It’s a lot nicer and makes us feel less guilty.
I recently heard someone speak of a similar concept- the “A+ vs F-” mindset. In the context of fitness, this mindset would play out like the following:
“I’ve got to eat perfectly and workout every single day. I cannot skip or miss anything.”
The unspoken thought is: I need to be an A+ every single day. This is often the mentality instilled into people who do a rapid fat loss program for 7, 21, or 30 days. Every single day must be perfect.
Except that’s not how LIFE is!
It’s no wonder that when something inevitably trips up the A+ track record, the person who has this mentality will immediately see themselves as an F-. From absolutely perfect to complete f^$%$ing garbage just because they ate 5 corn chips.
ARE YOU SERIOUS?!
This mentality is so dangerous for so many reasons:
- It damages and diminishes self- esteem and worth.
- It can cause continued downward spiral behaviors.
- If it happens enough, it can cause a person to completely give up on ever trying to become more healthy or fit.
Does this sound familiar to you? If you’ve ever put yourself into the “A+ F-” mindset, STOP! There is another way.
Do the best you can each day, with each decision you make… do the best with the circumstances around you. They won’t always be ideal, but just make the best choice you can.
Evaluate regularly. Look back on your day, week, or month and see the culmination of everything you’ve done; good, bad and in between.
Aim for a B+. If you can average out to a B+ each week or month, you’re doing a damn good job moving your body and life in the right direction.
I implore you to get OUT of the A+ F- mindset immediately. Give yourself some reasonable wiggle room to deal with this little thing called LIFE! If you do so, you’ll enjoy the positive improvements and results for the long haul.
- Coach Michelle