Are you really living and working 80:20… or just assuming you are?

We throw the 80:20 rule into conversation all the time. 

It’s talked about as the golden ratio for balance—whether it's diet, exercise, work-life, or habits. 

Most people will confidently say, “Yeah, I follow 80:20.” 

It’s almost an assumption that it’s easy to achieve – you know everything in moderation right?

But are you really living and working 80:20?

And is the 20% really moderation when you geek out and analyse it?

Here’s what I found when I geeked out and tracked it using a current experiment I’m doing.

In November Kerene Strochnetter and I started a one-year experiment of not eating after dinner (NEAD).

I thought this would be easy given I’m still 100% successful with not drinking since April 2023.

But NEAD… not so simple to hit 100%!!

Today I’m at 85:15 or 85% success. 

And it’s taken concentrated effort, habit rewiring and an accountability buddy to get there.

So if I’m intentionally focusing on breaking this habit and only 5% over 80:20, how many people taking a far less casual approach think they’re hitting 80:20 but actually aren’t? 🤯

Want the honest truth bomb? 💣

I hate to burst your ego but you’re probably not.

80:20 is harder than you think. 

Moderating our behaviours in today’s dopamine tempting world requires way more focus and awareness than we give it credit for.

Whether it’s sugar, digital distractions, work hours, or any other habit—if you think you’re 80:20, challenge yourself: 

🪄 Are you really living 80:20 or is it just a comfortable illusion?

📊 Have you actually measured it?

🚦 Are you making conscious choices or just going with what “feels” balanced?

🔄 Are you finding sneaky loopholes that shift the ratio without realising it?

Our modern world is set up for overconsumption—of food, screens, stress, everything. 

To be truly balanced, we have to be intentional. 

We literally have to rebel against the norm – be a healthy deviant 😈

🤓 Know your numbers? Hit me with your geeky stats below 🔽

Here are some visuals to get you thinking…