Flexible Approach for a Better You

Most people require a well-defined plan to achieve their fitness and nutrition goals. If only we were perfect and could always stick to the plan to the letter. We are, after all, human, and we every once in a while make bad decisions.

So what if the plan itself was flexible?

Planning for uncertainties

You should be prepared for some unpredictability in your life. You can't control everything, no matter how hard you try. Life throws you all kinds of unexpected events, not all of which are good. Yes, life does get in the way of your goals from time to time!

The Plan

The more complicated your nutrition and workout plan, the more likely it is that you will fail. If you believe that you must always perform an exact number of reps and sets to achieve results, you will always feel like a failure.

What if your plan is to work out four times a week for 45 minutes at the highest intensity you can manage on that particular day? That seems like a reasonable guideline, doesn't it?

It's simple and clear.

And it's probably better than what you're doing now.

That's all for your workouts.

Of course, you'll have a more detailed plan of exercises with sets, reps, rest, and so on – BUT don't be concerned if things don't go exactly as planned.

You're still meeting your primary goal of working out for 45 minutes four times a week, right?

Keep it up.

Nutrition

You keep track of your calories and macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat) on a regular basis, but the numbers don't always line up perfectly.

So, let's say your protein intake was 100g instead of the recommended 110g...

Are you going to freak out because of it?

I hope not.

But I'm sure there are some who do. Or they start eating too many calories for a few days and instead of correcting their course, they decide they've blown it and lose confidence in themselves to stick to the plan at all?

It may sound crazy, but have you ever eaten something you later regretted (the fries your friend ordered that ended up mostly in your mouth), realized you screwed up and decided you might as well abandon your plans for the day?

It's actually a fairly common way of thinking.

Better Alternatives

What if, instead of going crazy after those fries, you simply skipped the dessert you were going to have? Wouldn't that be a reasonable, adaptable approach that didn't encourage bingeing?

Yup.

Don't be stressed about it. Continue on to your next bite of food.

You must sometimes ignore the details in order to cultivate flexibility. Don't scold yourself for what you may have done incorrectly. It will only work against you and prevent you from achieving your goals.

Flexibility leads to success, so don't get too caught up in the details. You'll be happier and healthier as a result.