In this thought-provoking piece, I delve into a tricky dilemma: how can we allow ourselves a break from a good habit without completely derailing our progress? There are times when we genuinely want to stray from our usual routines—perhaps to seize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity or to celebrate a special occasion.
One effective strategy for navigating this situation is the concept of a “planned exception.” This approach acts as a buffer against impulsive choices. As adults, we have the autonomy to set our own guidelines, and by intentionally planning these exceptions, we can maintain our sense of control.
When we premeditate an exception, it empowers us—we aren’t abandoning our habits on a whim or relying on last-minute justifications. This conscious decision-making leads to greater satisfaction and a feeling of mastery over our actions.
The most successful exceptions are those that are clearly defined or have a specific endpoint. Recently, I heard an inspiring story from a friend, Alex, about how he mindfully strayed from his usual low-carb diet while on vacation in a picturesque cabin in Montana, known for its delectable pies.
Many individuals justify abandoning their healthy eating habits with thoughts like, “I’m on vacation; I deserve this!”—only to completely lose track of their goals. Alex, however, approached it differently. Before his trip, he established a pie policy: he would allow himself one slice of pie at each meal.
Here’s how he executed his planned exception:
- If-Then Planning: He decided, “If I’m in Montana, then I will indulge in pie.” This mental framework makes it easier to stick to his plan when the moment arrives. The beauty of this exception is that it’s specific to his vacation destination—he’s not going to fly back to Montana just for pie.
- Bright-Line Rules: Alex set a clear boundary: one slice of pie per meal. This simple rule eliminates the need for complex decisions and keeps him accountable.
- No Taking Pie Home: He made it a point not to bring pie back to the cabin; it was a treat to enjoy only at the restaurant. This helped him monitor his consumption effectively, as tracking his pie intake became straightforward.
- Staying Committed to His Plan: After a few days, Alex was tempted to add ice cream to his indulgences. However, he recognized that straying too far would lead him back to unhealthy habits. By sticking to pie alone, he maintained his focus.
- Enjoying the Experience: Alex understood that allowing himself this treat would enhance his enjoyment of the vacation. When we feel deprived, we often fall into the trap of “I deserve this,” leading to unhealthy choices. By incorporating pie mindfully, he avoided feelings of unfairness and truly savored a unique aspect of his getaway.
It’s worth noting that Alex identifies as an Abstainer, meaning he typically does better when he abstains from indulgences rather than trying to moderate them. Conversely, I’m more of a complete Abstainer myself—something I’ve only recently come to terms with. It’s a lesson in self-awareness, showing that sometimes, to keep our good habits going, we need to allow ourselves to pause.
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Summary
Establishing a planned exception to a good habit can help maintain self-control while allowing for enjoyable indulgences. By setting clear boundaries and monitoring consumption, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—celebrating special moments without completely losing sight of your goals.