We all start new habits with high hopes.
- “This time, I’ll work out every day.”
- “I’m done with fast food for good.”
And for a few days, maybe even weeks, we’re on fire. 
Then life happens:
- A late-night work deadline.
- A sick child.
- Sheer exhaustion.
You skip a workout or grab a quick meal on the go.
The streak is broken.
And instead of bouncing back, you give up entirely.
Why?
Because somewhere along the way, you believed perfection was the only path to success.
The Problem With Perfection
When you aim for perfection, you set yourself up for failure.
Miss one day, and it feels like all your progress is undone.
But what if you ditched perfection?
The “More Often Than Not” Rule
Instead of striving for perfection, focus on doing the habit most of the time.
Let’s say your goal is to exercise regularly.
If you work out 4–5 days a week instead of 7, you’re still making incredible progress.
One missed day doesn’t erase all the consistency you’ve built.
Over a month, showing up “more often than not” adds up to real results.
Why This Mindset Works
The "More Often Than Not Rule" shifts your focus:
- From perfection to progress.
- From “all or nothing” to something is better than nothing.
Real-Life Examples
Here’s how it applies:
Healthy Eating:
Eating nutritious meals most days will improve your health, even if you indulge occasionally.
Writing a Book:
Writing a little each week will get you to “The End,” even if you miss a session here and there.
Relationships:
Spending quality time with loved ones most evenings still strengthens your bond, even if life gets in the way sometimes.
This approach frees you.
It removes the pressure to be perfect and replaces it with a sustainable standard: progress over time.
Key Takeaways
Progress Over Perfection:
Small, consistent wins beat an unbroken streak every time.
Recovery Matters:
Missing a day isn’t failure. Quitting is.
Sustainability Is Key:
“More often than not” leaves room for life’s unpredictability without derailing your goals.
How to Apply the “More Often Than Not” Rule
Step 1: Pick one habit you want to build. Commit to doing it most days, not every day.
Step 2: Track your habit for a week. If you’re consistent more than half the time, celebrate. 
Step 3: Forgive yourself for missed days. Remind yourself: Consistency over time matters more than perfection today.
Why It Works
Perfection leads to burnout.
It’s discouraging, inflexible, and often unattainable.
But aiming for “more often than not” builds resilience and momentum.
This approach works because it’s:
- Achievable.
- Flexible.
- Sustainable.
The Big Picture
Life isn’t perfect. Your habits don’t need to be either.
What matters is that you’re moving in the right direction—more often than not.
This post was inspired by Ryan Holiday's interview with James Clear for Daily Stoic.
