Suzie Key Tima

I was listening to Laura Vanderkam on the Afford Anything podcast and she talked about how “three times a week” is a habit. I have been thinking about it that way since.

I think I tend to place high expectations on myself when it comes to building habits:

• It must be done every single day
• If I miss a day, then I am a failure
• Once I miss a day, I can’t continue

In this post, I will try to share the ways I have tried to reframe my mindset around building habits, success, and achieving results in light of this “most of the time” framework.

I will become what I do most of the time

It all starts with the idea that if you do something most days, that thing still has the power to change your life. The power of consistency lies at the core of the “most of the time” framework.

The “most of the time” framework emphasizes the importance of building positive habits. Rather than relying solely on willpower and motivation, we shift our focus to consistently incorporating healthy behaviors into our daily lives. For example, if our goal is to lead a healthier lifestyle, it’s not about adhering to a strict diet every single day but rather making healthier choices most of the time. There is nothing wrong with shooting for a perfect streak and I still do However, I understand that even if I miss the gym one day this week, I’m still someone who works out and care about fitness. This approach allows for flexibility and prevents burnout. Over time, these consistent positive habits become ingrained in our routine, leading to long-term success. By doing something most days, we still embody the essence of that habit and the values it represents.

I need to prioritize progress over perfection

In a world that celebrates perfection, it’s easy to get caught up in an all-or-nothing mentality. We may feel discouraged if we make a mistake or fall off track from our desired path. The “most of the time” framework encourages us to focus on consistency rather than perfection. While it’s important to dream big, it’s equally vital to recognize that progress takes time. Instead of fixating on achieving our goals all the time, we acknowledge that it’s the effort we put in most of the time that truly matters. This mindset shift allows us to set more realistic expectations, reducing unnecessary pressure and disappointment. By focusing on consistent effort and improvement, rather than fixating on occasional slip-ups, we create a more forgiving and sustainable approach to reaching our goals.

In a world that often expects instant results, adopting the “most of the time” framework can be a game-changer. By shifting our focus from perfection to progress, we can maintain motivation and see the results we desire. Remember, success is not defined by a single moment but rather by consistent effort and determination over time. So, embrace the “most of the time” mindset, and watch as you make steady progress towards your goals.

The power of forgiveness and resilience

The “most of the time” mindset also teaches us the power of forgiveness and resilience. We are human beings, and we are bound to make mistakes or encounter obstacles along the way. The key is not to let these setbacks define us or discourage us from continuing. When we embrace the “most of the time” framework, we give ourselves permission to be imperfect. We learn to forgive ourselves when we stumble and use those experiences as learning opportunities. By adopting a resilient attitude, we bounce back stronger and more determined to continue our journey towards