You know you should exercise, but you make a solid plan to do it… and then, in the decisive moment, you opt out. Why do many people choose to forgo their planned daily exercise again and again?
University of Michigan behavioral scientist Michelle Segar suggests this all-or-nothing thinking is caused by a deeply embedded mindset that leads many people to abandon their exercise plans.
While all-or-nothing thinking has been studied in relation to eating and weight, this is the first in-depth research to investigate this phenomenon with exercise, Segar says. She and her colleagues Jen T.
Segar’s research reveals that people often set exercise goals based on what they should do rather than what they can realistically do.This creates a standard of perfection that’s difficult to meet, leading to feelings of failure and ultimately, abandonment of the plan.
“People feel like if they can’t do the full workout they planned, it’s not worth doing anything at all,” Segar explains.“They think, ‘I was going to run for 30 minutes, but I only have 10, so I won’t bother.’ This is a classic example of all-or-nothing thinking.”
The study, published in the Journal of Health Psychology, found that this mindset is notably prevalent among people who already feel busy or stressed. When faced with time constraints or unexpected challenges, they’re more likely to scrap their exercise plans altogether.
Segar recommends shifting the focus from rigid goals to flexible strategies. Instead of aiming for a specific duration or intensity, she suggests focusing on finding small pockets of possibility for movement throughout the day.
“Think about what feels doable and enjoyable,even if it’s just a 10-minute walk,” she says. “Any amount of exercise is better than none,and building small successes can definitely help you develop a more sustainable habit.”
She also emphasizes the importance of self-compassion. “Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a workout,” Segar advises. “Just acknowledge it and move on. the goal is to find a way to incorporate exercise into your life that feels manageable and rewarding,not to punish yourself.”
Ultimately, Segar’s research suggests that overcoming all-or-nothing thinking is key to making exercise a lasting part of your routine. By embracing flexibility, focusing on small wins, and practicing self-compassion, you can break free from the cycle of planning and abandoning your fitness goals.
