We’ve all been there: chasing a promotion, training for a marathon, or trying to launch a side hustle. We enter the arena with the expectation that we should be “crushing it” every single day. We think that if we aren’t feeling inspired, energized, and successful 100% of the time, we’re doing something wrong.
But what if the secret to reaching your goals isn’t constant excellence, but a specific kind of imbalance?
Recently, I came across a concept called The Rule of Thirds. It completely shifted how I view progress, and it might just change the way you approach your life, work, and health.
What is the Rule of Thirds?
The Rule of Thirds suggests that when you are chasing a big goal, your days will generally break down into three categories:
- A third of the time, you will feel great. Everything clicks, you’re in the flow, and you feel unstoppable.
- A third of the time, you will feel “OK.” It’s a grind. You’re showing up, but there’s no magic. It’s just work.
- A third of the time, you will feel bad. You’re tired, frustrated, or doubting why you even started.
When I first heard this, it was a massive relief. It gave me permission to have “off” days without beating myself up. As it turns out, if you feel this way, you are exactly where you need to be.
The Danger of Staying in One Lane
The real magic of this rule is using it as a diagnostic tool. If you find yourself spending too much time in just one of these stages, it’s a sign that you need to adjust your course:
- Always feeling Great? You might not be challenging yourself enough. If it’s always easy, you’ve hit a plateau. It might be time to raise the stakes.
- Always feeling “OK”? You’re likely on cruise control. You’re in the comfort zone, and while that’s safe, it rarely leads to growth. You might need a new challenge to spark some fire.
- Always feeling Bad? You are likely overdoing it. Whether it’s stress, physical exhaustion, or mental burnout, staying here too long leads to a crash. You need to pull back and prioritize recovery.
Success is About Balance, Not Perfection
In a world that prizes “hustle culture,” we often sacrifice our well-being to appear successful. We think being the best means being on top of our game every second of the day.
But true success is more about self-awareness. It’s about knowing when to push (when things are “OK”), when to reap the rewards (when things are “Great”), and when to pull back (when things are “Bad”).
Life isn’t a straight line to the top; it’s a series of ebbs and flows. When you learn to identify which “third” you are in, your achievements become more effective, and your journey becomes much more meaningful.
Final Thought
If you’re feeling crappy today, don’t panic. It’s just your “bad” third showing up to help you grow. Take a breath, rest, and know that the “great” third is just around the corner.
Are you currently feeling great, okay, or crappy in your current project?
I’d love to hear how you’re balancing your “thirds” in the comments!
E.Luna
My Perspective on Life 