100% Before 99% Rule: The Power of Absolute Commitment
The Paradox of Total Commitment - Why Is 100% Easier And More Effective Than 99%?
Ham And Eggs: The chicken is involved; the pig is committed.
50 Shades Of Commitment: Much like the illustration of ham and eggs representing different levels of 'participation,' commitment also presents itself in a broad spectrum of categories, ways, rationales, and perspectives. Here are three ways it can be illustrated:
Defiance—Rosa Parks' Against Segregation: In 1955, Rosa Parks made a bold and irreversible decision during the Civil Rights Movement in Montgomery, Alabama. By refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus, Parks defied the institutionalized racism of her time while risking her safety. Her defiant commitment had a profound impact on the Civil Rights Movement.
Inspirational—Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope: Terry Fox, a Canadian athlete who lost a leg to cancer, committed to a cross-country run to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Despite immense physical and mental challenges, Fox ran approximately a marathon a day until, sadly, cancer spread to his lungs. He continues to inspire millions with the annual Terry Fox Run, which raises millions of dollars for cancer research.
Forced—Burning The Boats: In 1519, Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés made an unorthodox and controversial decision during his campaign against the Aztecs in Mexico. To ensure total commitment from his men and prevent any possibility of retreat, Cortés burned his own ships upon arrival. While his actions compelled his men to conform to his aspirations, the ethical implications of his methods should not be overlooked. This narrative illustrates that forced commitment can lead to short-term action but raises questions about leadership and moral decision-making.
These illustrations can give you perspectives when shaping and defining your commitments.
100% Commitment—Changes What To When To Why To How: A powerful yet often overlooked principle exists: the 100% Before 99% Rule. This concept, seemingly counterintuitive at first glance, is critical to unlocking your full potential and achieving extraordinary results. But what exactly does it mean to commit 100% instead of 99%, and why is it so transformative?
This essay will often discuss the most challenging component: the 'how.'
Questions Before Answers:
Why is 100% easier and more effective than 99%?
Which is more powerful—The Ten Suggestions or The Ten Commandments?
When should you accept 'Good Enough Is Good Enough?' (Rarely)
How does understanding your 'What,' 'When,' and 'Why' and then employing the Before Rules allow you to achieve your 'How?'
The 'What,' 'When,' 'Why,' and 'How' Of The 100% Before 99% Before Rule
Just What Are The Before Rules? The Before Rules create a powerful framework distilled into just three words. This simple concept details a transformative journey: 'Here Before There' is a prime example of a Before Rule.
Here: This word identifies your current position, serving as the starting point.
Before: This word signifies a prerequisite, indicating that specific actions must precede progress. It highlights the transactional nature of success, where specific steps are essential before reaching the next stage. 'Before' signifies one or more specific actions or mindsets must precede progress, much like Cortés burning his ships to eliminate retreat as an option before advancing.
There: This represents your desired outcome, the goal or destination you aspire to achieve.
The Before Rules—Compact Master Plans for Success: The Before Rules are more than just guidelines; they are powerful micro blueprints for personal achievement. These master plans break down complex goals into manageable, actionable steps, serving as your roadmap to achieving desired outcomes by emphasizing the necessary actions and processes that must occur before progress can be made.
What Is The Difference Between Laws And Rules? Laws are extrinsic; someone or something else dictates them for you and to you. Rules are intrinsic, created by your desire to improve, evolve, succeed, learn, and achieve.
Examples of the Before Rules: Over 100 Before Rules have been created to provide foundational steps for success. Here are a few illustrative examples:
Deposit Before Withdrawal: Emphasizes the importance of investing effort or resources before expecting returns.
Curiosity Before Judgment: Encourages open-mindedness and learning before forming opinions.
Structure Before Outcome: Stresses the need for a solid framework before expecting results.
System Before Goal: Focuses on establishing effective systems before setting specific goals.
Action Before Attraction: Advocates for taking proactive steps before expecting results.
100% vs. 99%: The Difference Between Absolutely And Almost
"Ninety-nine percent is a bitch. One hundred percent is a breeze." --Jack Canfield
A Before Rule 'Rule'—When It Counts, Make It Count: Not everything will be important, but when you decide an action is important, commit to it using the 100% before 99% strategy.
What Are Few Examples Illustrating The Before Rule Of '100% Before 99%'? Here are a few examples illustrating the power of 100% over 99%:
The Ten Suggestions vs. The Ten Commandments
The Theory of Some Things vs. The Theory of Everything
An offer you can refuse vs. an offer you can't refuse
Declaration of Mostly Independence vs. Declaration of Independence
Your airplane landing in the ocean vs. landing on the Honolulu runway
What Keeps Us From Being Successful? We have many enemies. They include roadblocks, barriers, bottlenecks, challenges, conundrums, deterrents, dilemmas, handicaps, hardships, hindrances, hurdles, impedes, impediments, interferences, logjams, obstructions, preconditions, problems, setbacks, stumbling blocks, issues, reasons, and factors that we perceive to be obstacles to our success. And even excuses we simply make up...
"We have met the enemy, and the enemy is us." --Walt Kelly, the creator of the comic strip Pogo
So, Are We The Enemy To Our Success? Yep.
How Do We Overcome Being Our Own Enemy? First, we recognize the problem's source and then implement a Before Rule.
The Source Of The Problem? It's Not You, It's Me: These issues often, but not always, have a single point of origin: us.
Good Enough Is Good Enough: Good enough is good enough for low-stakes choices. Is there really much difference between the below options?
Starbucks: How many people can differentiate and appreciate the differences between Oleato™ Caffé Latte with Oatmilk and a regular Caffè Latte?
Baskin Robbins: How different is regular Peanut Butter 'n Chocolate ice cream versus REESE'S Peanut Butter Cup ice cream? Would you know the difference by taste alone if they weren't labeled?
It's close enough; the above options are essentially the same for many people. You will make our decision, then enjoy because what you ordered was 'good enough.' On a different day, it may have been a different order. You probably won't even remember what you ordered in a week, nor does it matter.
When Good Enough Is Good Enough, Part 2: In certain situations, it's important to recognize effort rather than just focusing on tangible results. You won't always come out on top, and that's OK. Sometimes, simply doing your best is good enough, even if it's not great. In these situations, the acknowledgment of a participation ribbon goes a long way, and that can lead to commitment.
When Good Enough Isn't Good Enough: When something counts, when it is important, when the outcome is impacted by the input, such as:
It Fit, Sorta': Erroneously inserting a standard bolt instead of a metric bolt head into the space shuttle's fuselage.
Missed It By That Much: Being off by a decimal point when preparing audited financial statements a day before you go public.
Misidentification: Foraging a new area for wild mushrooms to include in your gourmet dinner.
From Good To Great: What if accepting mediocrity prevents you from reaching your full potential? The key to true success and fulfillment lies in absolute dedication. When you commit 99%, you leave room for doubt, hesitation, and inconsistency. That 1% gap can be the difference between almost and absolutely.
Is Just Showing Up Enough? Simply showing up may seem sufficient, i.e. 99% appearing as 100%. But what if settling for mediocrity is holding us back from reaching our full potential? What if true success and fulfillment require unwavering dedication rather than moderate effort? Participation may be acknowledged, but it doesn't reflect actual achievement.
100% Is The Gold Medal: In contrast, the 100% commitment is the gold medal -- the ultimate symbol of excellence and achievement.
The True Calculus Of Commitment: Calculus is the study of continuous change. But genuine commitment is more than that; it has a different calculus.
1% Isn't The Difference Between 100% And 99%: It's not merely the numerical change from 99% to 100% that matters. The profound impact of that 1% differential transforms potential into achievement.
1% Is The Difference Between Who You Are And Who You Want To Be: The 1% isn't just a marginal increase; it represents the pivotal transition from your current self to your aspirational self. It's the critical increment where transformation occurs, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
OK... Put your calculator away, and let's use logic instead.
The Math of Motivation: 100% Minus 99% Is NOT 1%: The idea that 100% commitment is easier than 99% might initially seem counterintuitive. However, allowing ourselves a little flexibility or creating a safety net may enable us to accept 'good enough' as the outcome when we actually require a 100% outcome.
A Before Rule 'Rule'—Apply 100% When It Is Important: There will be times when you must prioritize because you don't have enough time, resources, effort, energy, knowledge, support, willpower, etc. Identify what is truly important and necessary if scarcity exists, and apply your 100% effort where it will be most effective.
A Before Rule 'Rule'—Apply 100% To What Is Important: Prioritizing and compromising are often overlooked when determining the importance of something. Sometimes, what's important may be obfuscated by short-term issues versus long-term benefits. For example, say you have earned an A in your math class and only need to score 80% on the final to maintain your A. However, you currently have a C in science and need 100% on the final to get your ultimate grade up to a B. In such a case, it may be more practical to spend most of your time studying for the science final rather than the math final.
A Before Rule 'Rule'—When You Have Committed, Fully Commit: The 100% commitment is the gold medal, the ultimate symbol of excellence and achievement. These are a few of the elements that are amplified when you are 100% committed.
Clarity and Focus: A 100% commitment eliminates ambiguity. You know what you need to do, and you do it without second-guessing.
Consistency: With total commitment, actions become ingrained habits, and habits become second nature. This consistency is crucial for long-term success.
Integrity: A 100% commitment builds trust and integrity with yourself and others. People know they can count on you because you are fully committed.
Resilience: Total commitment helps you push through challenges and setbacks. When quitting isn't an option, you find ways to overcome obstacles and challenges.
Identity: Embracing 100% commitment molds and confirms your identity. It becomes more than what you do—it reflects who you believe you are. When your actions and agency align with your identity, commitment is no longer a choice but a natural extension of your self-concept and personal belief system.
Outcome—Excellence: If you strive for the highest standards and adhere to these five goals, you will have a much better shot at achieving excellence, which will lead to outstanding results.
Structure Is Freedom? At first glance, 'structure is freedom' seems like just another quote from George Orwell's 1984 book. Logic indicates that more choices equals more freedom.
"War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength." --George Orwell, 1984
Structure Is Freedom! Here, we will discuss how providing yourself with structure can help you gain the freedom you seek.
What Is The Most Effective Way To Implement Structure? The Before Rules are based upon structure. Choose and apply the Before Rule that applies to your need or desire.
Which Makes You Exceptional? The Exception To The Rule Or The Rule To The Exception?
"By preparing to fail… you fail." -- A human truism
The Exception To The Rule: When we commit to something just 99%, we create conflict and a constant internal negotiation. Whenever we face a choice related to our goal, we must decide: Is this the 1% exception? This ongoing decision-making process drains our mental energy, erodes our willpower, and opens the door to rationalizations and excuses.
So, how do you make progress?
The Rule To The Exception: What if we had a rule to the exception? Instead of letting exceptions influence our rules, what if we had our rules impact our exceptions?
Small Steps, Big Feats—The Easiest Victory Concept: The 100% commitment comprises many components. Each often feels seemingly insignificant or lacking impact, but the overall outcome is exponential when aggregated.
Small Steps? Really? Here is an example from Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels that illustrates how the Lilliputians, working together, can defeat a giant:
"I attempted to rise, but was not able to stir: for as I happened to lie on my back, I found my arms and legs were strongly fastened on each side to the ground; and my hair, which was long and thick, tied down in the same manner."
The Exception To The Rule? Assume you are intent on reducing your beer intake, so you declare, "I will not drink my favorite beer, Samuel Adams, after 6 p.m. on any day of the week." Straightforward and simple. And you have been successful for a week.
Your new neighbor invites you over for a Saturday night BBQ. You agree since you don't have any dinner plans, and chicken sounds great. You go next door at 7 p.m.
That's A Lot Of Choices: The neighbor opens their cooler to offer a beer as soon as he arrives. You are ready to say, "No thanks," but the neighbor points and asks, "Guinness or a Samuel Adams?"
You weren't prepared, and now you're caught off-guard.
The neighbor says, "I saw a couple of empty Samuel Adams bottles when your trash was picked up, so I figured you enjoy that beer."
You don't become exceptional by looking for exceptions.
Rule. Exception. Rule. Exception: You evaluate the choices and think, "Wow, I planned on abstaining from Samuel Adams, but a Guinness sounds great right now. I haven't had a Guinness in... forever. Plus, I don't want to be rude. Maybe I will do without the Samuel Adams, but maybe I should make an exception for the Guinness. Maybe one of each... it's the weekend."
You are now experiencing a heavy dose of cognitive dissonance.
The Rule To The Exception—Part 2: What if the rule had been more thorough and comprehensive? What if it had been both broader and inclusive?
A Before Rule 'Rule'—Small Change, Big Impact: Creating a broader rule would probably suit your goals better: "I will not drink any alcohol after 6 p.m. on any day of the week."
The Neuroscience of No Exceptions: Neuroscience Research supports absolute commitment's power. Studies using fMRI scans have shown that when individuals make a firm decision, activity in the prefrontal cortex (the brain's decision-making center) decreases when presented with alternatives.
Why? No Exceptions = No Stress vs. Exceptions = Stress: You are not using mental energy to evaluate and analyze choices. The decision has been made, "I will not drink any alcohol after 6 p.m. on any day of the week."
Once we're 100% committed, our brains stop wasting energy on considering other options. This neural efficiency translates to real-world results.
Success breeds success.
A Before Rule 'Rule'—Find What Is Successful, Rinse And Repeat: This neurological impact extends beyond decision-making. Total commitment activates the brain's reward centers, releasing dopamine and other neurotransmitters associated with motivation and positive reinforcement. This creates a virtuous cycle: the more consistently we follow through on our 100% commitments, the more our brains are wired to enjoy and seek out that follow-through.
The Psychology And Logic Of Why 100% Is Easier Than 99%: With 99% commitment, you evaluate each and every event and ask yourself, "Is this the 1% exception?" In this way, 100% Before 99% is easier and more successful because 100% means you're always committed, whereas 99% only means you might be.
What - When - Why - How: Here are four simple, sequential steps to become exceptional.
What: Evaluate where you are and where you want to be (Here Before There).
When: Second, decide when you are going to start. Ten bonus points if your answer is... Now Before Later.
Why: Next, determine why you are going to implement this rule. Review the 'what' question above and align it with your why (Why Before How).
How: Lastly, determine how you are going to do it. Answering the 'how' question is often the hardest step. Most people who haven't actually completed this step like to look you in the eye and, with feigned expertise and a slight intonation of superiority, say, "He who has a why to live can bear almost any how," then pause for the equivalency of a 'mic drop' and adds, "That's Friedrich Nietzsche."
Why Is Easy - How Is Hard: That is why we have the Before Rules. The Before Rules provide you with the foundational tools to achieve how. 50 bonus points if you determined this answer to be 100% Before 99%.
That's How: Once you have your 'What,' 'When,' and 'Why,' you employ the Before Rules to help you with your 'How' and achieve your desired outcome.
Thoughtercise: Evaluate challenges that you are facing and then ask yourself, what steps can I take to enact the 100% Before 99% Before Rule?
Learn More - 3 Goals, 3 Rules, 3 Minutes: I have prepared a strategy that combines multiple Before Rules, structure, and psychology to achieve your desired outcomes. Subscribe to learn more.
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