Many people believe they need 100% certainty, motivation, or readiness before committing to a fitness routine. But waiting for the perfect time often leads to months (or years) of inaction.
The truth? You only need to be 51% sure—just enough to take the first step. Small decisions, not big commitments, lead to the best long-term results. By leaning into action even when you’re not fully confident, you build momentum and create the success you’ve been waiting for. Let’s dive into why the 51% rule is the key to moving forward.
Why Waiting for 100% Keeps You Stuck
Many people assume that successful people feel 100% ready before they start, but that’s not true. In reality, waiting until you’re completely ready is one of the biggest reasons people stay stuck.
It’s easy to fall into the “I’ll start next week” or “maybe next month” trap because you’re waiting for the perfect set of conditions. But here’s the reality:
- Work will always be busy.
- Motivation will always fluctuate.
- Life will always throw curveballs.
If you keep waiting for that moment when everything is perfectly aligned, you’ll never actually start. The truth is, action creates momentum, and you don’t need to be 100% sure to begin. Even if part of you still has doubts, 51% certainty is enough to get moving.
Common thoughts that keep people stuck:
- “I need to get in shape before I start.”
- “I’m not sure I can stick with it.”
- “I don’t have the time right now.”
Here’s the kicker: The more you delay, the more time passes without progress. And if you had started six months ago, you’d already be halfway to where you want to be.
The 51% Rule: Why You Only Need a Slight Nudge to Get Started
The 51% rule is simple: If you’re even slightly more certain that you should start than not, that’s enough.
It’s the tipping point—the moment where the balance shifts from inaction to action. It acknowledges that doubts may still be there, but they don’t have to stop you from taking the first step.
Why does 51% matter?
- It pushes you just over the edge of hesitation into action.
- It removes the pressure of needing to feel 100% motivated.
- It makes decision-making easier—no need to overthink, just move forward.
Think of it like this: If you were 51% sure you should invest in something, you’d probably go for it. The same applies to your health and fitness. 51% certainty is all you need to commit to that first workout, that first step, that first decision toward progress.
How Taking Action Creates Confidence (Not the Other Way Around)
Most people assume that confidence comes first, then action follows. But in reality, confidence is a result of taking action, not a prerequisite.
Think back to the first time you tried anything new—whether it was lifting weights, learning a new skill, or starting a new job. You probably weren’t confident at first. But after showing up and practicing? That’s when confidence kicked in.
Confidence isn’t something you need before starting—it’s something you build along the way. The more you show up and take action, the more you reinforce to yourself, “I can do this.”
Key mindset shift:
- Instead of waiting until you feel ready, start before you’re ready.
- Trust that confidence will grow as you take action.
- The hardest part is the first step—after that, momentum takes over.
The difference between those who succeed and those who stay stuck isn’t motivation—it’s their willingness to take action before they feel 100% sure.
How to Apply the 51% Rule in Your Own Fitness Journey
The biggest mistake people make is thinking they have to commit to a complete overhaul from day one. The 51% rule teaches you that small steps lead to big results.
Here’s how to apply it:
- Instead of saying “I have to train 5x a week,” start with one or two sessions. Even one workout is better than none, and once you get moving, you’ll want to keep going.
- Instead of “I need a perfect meal plan,” just focus on one better meal per day. Small nutrition changes add up over time.
- Instead of waiting for motivation, schedule workouts like appointments. Action creates motivation, not the other way around.
This mindset shift makes fitness feel easier, not overwhelming. It helps you break free from all-or-nothing thinking and just start moving forward.
Six months from now, you’ll either be glad you started today—or still waiting for the perfect time.
51% is Enough—Take Action Now
This concept of the 51% rule isn’t something I invented—I have to credit Steven Bartlett for originally sparking this idea. But after seeing it in action with countless clients (and in my own journey), I can say with confidence that it works.
Success isn’t about waiting for the perfect time—it’s about getting started even when you’re unsure. If you’re 51% sure you want to move better, feel stronger, and stay active, that’s all you need to begin.
Don’t wait for 100% confidence—just take the first step. The rest will fall into place.
👉 Set up a call with a coach and let’s create a plan that moves you forward—starting today.