This is what I live by-- the 90% rule, what does that mean? This concept can be understood easily by using a suit as a metaphor. Our daily routines are framed by daily templates most of the time- the alarm goes off-- maybe a couple? and we get up, take a shower- wash with the same soap, brush our teeth in the same particular way, put on all our special moisturizers and hair products, then we dress ourselves, sip on the morning coffee and read the daily paper, then we grab our things and run out the door to work... It is the same cycle played out every morning. Good routines and rituals are great and can yield a very productive, efficient, and balanced person. Take babies for example, we strive to put them on routines so they stay happy and eat on time and sleep well. Another key comparison is to look to our past ancestors and how they lived. Daily life back then was driven by routines-- however, special rituals and life events gave way to spontaneity in life routine and the diet. Today, a life with too much ritual- too much rigidity and not enough variety and spontaneity can lead to boredom and burn out, which will, in fact, do just the opposite that the good old routine has set out to do.
This is where the 90% rule and my metaphor come into play. Look at your daily routines like wearing a beautifully tailored suit. 90% of the time your fitted suit is worn and 10% of the time the suit is put into the closet and your most comfortable outfit is put on and enjoyed. While wearing your suit, good routines are established and practiced. This includes getting plenty of rest, eating only the best foods, exercising, working really hard, and staying focused on you, your career, and your family. Now, this is all fine and dandy, but what is this 10% all about? 10% is the time during each day, week, month, year that should be spent doing the opposite of the 90%. Now, I don't mean take off all your clothes and run down the street like a crazy person while eating a whole bag of Oreos. What I mean is that 10% of your time should be spent resting your mind and your body and allowing yourself to indulge. Each person's definition of indulging is different. For some, this means sleeping in until 12PM, watching trashy TV, and eating a pizza. For others 10% means going to the beach and relaxing all day and reading a book. 10% is the time to re-charge your batteries, decompress from the template routine, and live a little. 10% should be practiced everyday. Like a pie, take a sliver of each day to do what every you want-- FB surf, eat a piece of chocolate, listen to music, etc.
Temptations:
This type of mentality can be ideal during the holidays when it comes to your diet and exercise. There will be belly busting temptations all around. The best thing you can do is stick to your routines, but then allow yourself 10% to enjoy anything you want. This 10% will keep you balanced and allow you to stick to your good habits for life and not feel deprived or burned out.
Work:
This type of mentality can help you work harder at your job so you can give more to your friends and family. Knowing that you maintained your focused for 90% of the week and now have 10% of "you time" you will be more apt to keep your mind motivated and focused. After your 10% recharge spurts your will be back in top gear ready to tackle any task.
Resolutions 2013:
Lastly, this type of mentality can be valuable when it comes to setting your 2013 New Year's Resolutions and sticking to them. 90% of the time stay focused on these goals, but 10% relax and take some time for yourself to do what makes you happy and what sets your mind and body at ease.
Remember, always be real with yourself. If your 10% is eating a pizza everyday... your plan, as far as health goes, will be set up for failure. Use your 10% wisely. This 10% will only enhance your life and make you that much more balanced and centered. Enjoy.
