Eric Zimmer

So I've done a lot of coaching work with people over the years on positive habit formation.

And what I found is those hard and fast rules work in situations where life is kind of predictable.

But when life is really unpredictable, there's a degree of flexibility that is needed in order to not fall into all or nothing thinking

make a mistake and give up.

You travel, I imagine a fair amount for work.

You know, how do you handle traveling or if a kid is sick or I work out every day, but there are going to be times where something perhaps overtakes that gets in the way.

You know, a lot of people I know tend to be like, well, if I do it perfect, I'll keep doing it.

But if I don't do it perfect, I'm done.

And so I'm kind of curious how you think about that in your own life.

You've got a line that I really liked that I highlighted, which you said, as simple as they seem, automatic rules for common situations get results.

And I think that word right there, the common situation is the thing, right?

Like we can make rules that

that apply the vast majority of the time to situations that we encounter again and again and again.

When we're in uncommon situations is when we need to have the cognitive flexibility to really say, all right, what's the right response?

What do I do here, you know?

Yep.

Well, it is true though, like being a recovering alcoholic and addict, I often say there's a beautiful clarity to zero.

You know, like I'm not having to debate, is it okay?

What's a special occasion?

What's not a special occasion?