The 80/20 Rule

A really good thing to keep in mind for is the Pareto principle, or the 80/20 rule. It states that 80% of the effects (results) comes from 20% of the causes. 80% profit comes from 20% of the customers. Or, more importantly, 80% of your results comes from 20% of your actions.

What does this mean, exactly? Focus on the fundamentals, not the hundreds of little things that too many people focus on.

20% of what you do, 80% results:

• Having a good, consistent exercise regimen
• Keeping track of your average daily caloric intake
• Eating enough protein
• Drinking enough water
• Not being deficient in any vitamins/minerals
• Getting enough rest/sleep

80% of what you do, 20% results:

• The difference between 8 and 12 reps per set
• The difference between 3 and 5 sets
• Your relative protein, fat, and carb intake
• Wheat vs. white bread
• Whole versus nasty skim milk
• Not eating junk food at all
• Strictly following your diet to the letter
• Eating anything deemed healthful instead of something else with the same caloric content
• Working out so hard you get nauseous or puke
• Having workouts so hard to the point of being unenjoyable
• Going way past your comfort zone
• Going the extra mile
• Working out on an empty stomach
• Paying too much attention to your protein intake
• Drinking a protein shake instead of solid food after working out
• Worrying about pre- and post-workout nutrition
• Drinking water or tea instead of diet soda
• Getting the "low fat" version of anything
• Having workouts that are unnecessarily long
• Worrying about high fructose corn syrup or sugar or preservatives, etc.
• Obsessively reading the nutritional info on everything
• Worrying about the nutritional facts of food you eat at a restaurant
• Making sure your caloric intake is always within 100 calories of your goal
• Not having cheat days

You get the idea. Stick to the basics.