Theoretical v/s Doable options, Dealing with 'Hanger' and finding the courage to attempt.
Smarter Sundays - Issue #229.
Best Theoretical option v/s Best Doable option.
As we wind down 2024 and I recap the year, I have found that there is a stark difference between clients who have succeeded with the goals they set out to achieve, and those who set out achieve the same - or similar goals - but dropped midway through.
The successful ones, the achievers, almost always gravitated towards the best doable option they had on hand.
The unsuccessful ones, the folks who find themselves in a never-ending loop of working on the same goal year on year almost always gravitated towards the best theoretical option they could come up with.
For any area of health you want to work on: Training, Nutrition, Sleep, Daily Activity etc, there are tons of options you can choose from. Most of them are great theoretical options, but may not be practical given one’s schedules and lifestyles.
The folks who succeeded with their health in 2024 were the ones who were shrugging off the best theoretical options in favour of the best doable options.
Here are a few examples of this:
Training:
Best Theoretical option: Workout every single day.
Best Doable option: Choose 2-3 days of the week to train, giving yourself sufficient margin for error, and scope for adjusting if your schedule changes.
Nutrition:
Best Theoretical option: Opt for the biggest calorie deficit as possible, and stick to it diligently.
Best Doable option: Choose a calorie range that puts you in a deficit while still giving you sufficient calories to consume daily. Stick to it for 80% of the meals in a week.
Daily Activity:
Best Theoretical option: Hit an arbitrary high number - usually between 8-12k steps - every single day.
Best Doable option: Set yourself a floor goal - the least number of steps you need to hit every day - and then proceed to tick that off daily, with anything over the Floor goal being a bonus. Adjust the Floor goal periodically based on your schedule.
Sleep:
Best Theoretical option: Get a sleeping pod, a temperature controlled mattress, some eye shades, and pop some gummies.
Best Doable option: Reduce screen time in the evening, and stick to a schedule your can follow. Aim to improve your sleep routines first.
These are just a few simple options I’ve listed, with many more such doable - and equally, theoretical - options available for all pillars of health.
The ones who choose the best theoretical options find their dopamine hit in planning their next steps, in prioritising theory over action. If you wish to succeed, find your dopamine hit in taking small steps towards your goals, in taking action.
“In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not.” - Einstein.
Two Quotes:
1. “Before you can develop the skill to succeed, you must find the courage to attempt.” - James Clear
2. “Some people are mostly focused on the present moment. They live for today and do what feels good right now.
Some people are mostly focused on the future. They use today as a stepping stone and do what's best for their future selves.
You need a present-focus to enjoy life. But too much present-focus can prevent the deeper happiness of achievement.”
- Derek Sivers
One piece of information:
A short (relatively) podcast on the science of calculating calories, how to avoid getting hangry during a deficit, and more.
Enjoy!
Pocket Casts - Apple Podcasts - Spotify.