Breaking Free from the "All or Nothing" Trap in Fitness
- Deb Goodge

- Nov 2
- 3 min read
For years, I was convinced that achieving my fitness goals required an all-in, no-excuses approach. I thought "dedication" looked like this:

5 AM workouts, no matter how little I slept.
Meal prepping every single bite, with zero flexibility.
No rest days, because who has time for that?
If I missed a workout, I felt like a failure.
If I ate something that wasn't on my rigid plan, I'd throw in the towel and promise to "start over on Monday."
If my body felt tired, I ignored it and pushed even harder.
But here’s the truth about what that relentless mindset actually did: it led straight to burnout. Instead of feeling empowered, I started to resent the gym. I became disconnected from my body's signals, treating fitness like a punishment rather than a celebration of what I could do.
I was stuck in a frustrating cycle of being perfectly "on" for a few weeks, only to fall completely "off" track, feeling defeated. I’d beat myself up, wondering why I lacked the willpower to stick with it. Each time, I’d tell myself, "This time will be different."
Does any of this sound familiar?
If you're a woman over 40, juggling a demanding career, family responsibilities, and your own health, this "all or nothing" belief is one of the biggest lies holding you back. It’s an unsustainable model that sets you up for failure.
A Better, More Sustainable Way
Let me share what actually works and what changed everything for me. It’s not about perfection; it’s about creating a system that fits into your real life.
Flexible Consistency > Perfect Intensity
You don't need to go all in. You just need to keep going. This means learning to adjust your plan when life gets busy, instead of quitting altogether. A short walk is better than no walk at all. A home-cooked meal is a win, even if it wasn't prepped on Sunday. It’s about progress, not perfection.
Short, Effective Workouts That Fit Your Schedule
You don't need to spend an hour at the gym to see results. Most of my clients achieve amazing transformations with just 25–30 minutes of focused effort each day. Why?
Because they can do it consistently. These short bursts of activity are easier to fit into a packed schedule, making them a habit you can stick with for the long haul.
Fueling Your Body to Feel Good, Not to Control It
Nutrition shouldn't be about restriction. It's about giving your body the energy and strength it needs to thrive. It’s about building healthy habits that last beyond a weekend or a 30-day challenge. When you focus on nourishment, you develop a positive relationship with food that supports your goals without the guilt.
A System That Works With Your Real Life
The key is to train smart, eat well, and prioritize yourself without feeling like you have to flip your entire schedule upside down. I teach my clients how to integrate fitness and nutrition seamlessly into their lives, so it becomes a source of strength, not stress.
Find Your Freedom in Fitness
Today, I love how I feel in my body. Fitness is something I genuinely look forward to. I have more energy, more confidence, and a routine that supports my life, not the other way around.
If you’ve been stuck in the "all or nothing" mindset, constantly telling yourself you'll "start again Monday," and are tired of swinging between extreme restriction and complete burnout, I want you to know: there is another way.
Inside REVIVE, I help high-functioning women over 40 build strength, energy, and confidence with a smart, simple, and sustainable approach. It’s time to stop punishing yourself and start empowering yourself.
Click the button below to see how.





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