Here’s a simpler and more conversational version of the text:
The Almost-Perfect Rule
You’ve heard how giving 100% all the time leads to success, right? Well, I believe that hitting your goal 80-90% of the time can also get you there smoothly.
Let me explain. It’s common these days for people to suggest going on cleanses to detoxify our bodies. I live pretty much on junk food, microwave meals, or even, if I’m honest, doughnuts and cappuccinos. I’m a sucker for shopping, too. I’m often impulsively buying stuff from Target, and spending money on vacations even before I’ve actually saved enough.
But when you really need to change, you go all in. You give up doughnuts for a month. You quit spending for a while; maybe even spend nights playing board games over tuna sandwiches. You might dive into a new diet or start working on your finances. You may dream of becoming a runner or cooking from scratch every morning. But let’s be honest, how long do those changes last?
Now, imagine your friends propose a vacation. Or you have a super busy week and opt for fast food. You’ve slipped, right? Suddenly, you find yourself overspending and unhealthy again.
But hey, we shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves with this all or nothing mindset. I’ve done a cleanse, I’ve had my No Spend weeks, but the trick is not to spiral back into old habits as soon as these end.
So here’s my trick, the Almost-Perfect Rule. If I set financial goals at the start of the year, like putting money into savings, maxing out my retirement account, or setting up funds for specific purposes, even if I reach just 80-90% of these, I’m still ahead. And it’s okay.
The idea is not to be perfect every month, but to consistently hit most of your plans. Maybe one month you go crazy and put a vacation on your credit card. But it’s not a disaster, because your life is not all financial chaos. You’ve got a plan, and you stick to it.
Remember, it’s not about not having that occasional doughnut or buying a cute candle once in a while. It’s about making sure these treats don’t derail your overall progress.
Honestly, giving it 100% in the beginning is a good thing. It fuels passion and helps you learn. But even if you make an exception here and there, don’t let it throw you off track. Stick to your original plan. A treat once in a while won’t hurt your progress. The same goes for your finances.
Finally, let me tell you, this hasn’t been easy for me. But over three years of trying, I’ve happily settled in the 80-90% zone. Now, my life is fun, my finances are under control, and I feel pretty good.
So, what about you? What financial rules do you follow?