This concept has helped many of my clients over the years stay on track with their goals through it all—vacations, work projects, weekends away, busy schedules, honeymoons, and holiday celebrations.

And it’s helped me immensely too.

“Business as Usual.”

Meaning that, regardless of what’s happening on any given week, there are always opportunities to keep some “normalcy” (aka “Business as Usual”) with our habits, routines and efforts, despite changing circumstances.

All-or-nothing thinking is a real problem and a killer of permanent results.

I see people fall into this trap too often.

If they can’t do it “ALL,” things are somehow ruined.

They’ll start fresh again after they get through it—the busy week, the vacation, the upcoming event, the holidays.

But…

A “Business as Usual” Mindset.

When you have a “Business as Usual” mindset, even though you may still be off your routine, your brain works to find the things you do have control over.

In other words, maybe I can’t do it all, but I can still do some things.

Here’s why leaning into this concept works:

1) Consistency.

Even if you’re not doing “everything,” you don’t lose momentum as long as you’re still doing some things. Because the results of all of those little actions, even those that seem insignificant in isolation, are compounded over time.

And maybe you can’t put forth your full effort, but 50% effort will still yield more results than zero effort. In other words, something is ALWAYS better than nothing.

2) Long-Term Enjoyment & Sustainability.

The more consistent you are, the easier it is to have “exceptions” (i.e. indulgences) fit seamlessly into your life without detracting from your efforts or results.

For example, if I know I have an upcoming trip or have a special weekend event where I’ll indulge more than usual, I’m probably less inclined to feel like I “need” to eat some special dessert or splurge somehow throughout the week, because I’m not feeling deprived in any way.

And, if anything, it’s added incentive to keep things “business as usual” for the lead-up to the “trip” or “event.”

When you know that exceptions are part of the plan, you don’t need to suffer from “The Last Supper Syndrome” or get your “fill” before starting over again “on Monday.”

3) Teaches Delayed Gratification.

When you know you’re going to be eating off your “normal routine” or maybe even indulging more than usual, it’s much easier to make short-term sacrifices for long-term gain.

For example, maybe you’re less inclined to skip that morning walk or training session on your vacation if you know you’ll enjoy more elaborate dinners in the evening.

Or, say you have an after-work event, it probably wouldn’t feel like such a big deal to keep it “business as usual” earlier in the day by eating that healthy lunch you packed because you know you’ll be eating dinner out later.

Putting it into action.

Consider how you might put this concept of “Business as Usual” into action in your own life.

Why not focus on doing everything you have control over (regardless of how imperfectly) rather than letting your circumstances dictate your results?

You will be thanking yourself a few months from now :)

~Elaine

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P.S. If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and are ready for a permanent solution to losing weight and enjoying a freeing relationship with food, my signature 1:1 program might be a great fit.

This is for you if you desire personalized, high-level support in reaching your weight and body goals and overcoming your struggles with food.

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