The Clamp and the Mallet: Building Consistency in Health and Fitness
Seth Godin recently shared an email titled “The Clamp and the Mallet,” and it struck a chord with me—not just because it’s a great metaphor, but because it perfectly describes what I see all the time with clients trying to get healthy.
Here’s what Seth wrote:
“While building a project, I found that a key part was stuck.
I tapped it with a mallet, then harder, and eventually whacked at it. No luck.
Then I got smart and put three clamps around the part, gently turning each one, increasing the pressure, until it simply popped out.
Persistent, gentle pressure almost always outperforms sudden, violent blows.”
This idea applies so well to health and fitness.
The “0 to 60” Trap
When many people start their fitness journey, they try to go from zero to 60 overnight. They think, “If I work out every single day for the next month, I’ll see results faster!” They hit the gym for 9 straight days, push themselves to the limit, and then… they burn out.
Injuries happen. You’re tired. You’re sore AF. Frustration sets in. Progress stalls. And before they know it, the cycle repeats—start strong, burn out, quit, repeat.
The Power of Gentle, Persistent Pressure
True, lasting progress doesn’t come from immediate bursts of intense effort; it comes from showing up consistently over time.
Think about the clamps in Seth’s story. Gently increasing pressure over time was what got the part unstuck—not whacking it repeatedly with a mallet.
In fitness terms, this means:
- Showing up 3 times a week for 3 months and not 6 days one week 0 the next, 6 days, then 0.
- Focusing on steady improvement, not perfection.
- Letting your body adapt and grow stronger over time. Not forcing it or overdoing it.
Those who take this approach—who trust the process and stay consistent—always outperform those who go too hard, too fast, and then give up.
The Magic of Consistency
The secret isn’t flashy. It’s not complicated. It’s about showing up, even on the days when you’re tired or busy or don’t feel like it.
This isn’t just a fitness lesson; it’s a life lesson. Whether you’re learning a new skill, building a business, or improving your health, persistent, gentle pressure is what gets the job done.
Struggling to Stay Consistent?
If this sounds familiar—if you’ve been stuck in the cycle of all or nothing—let’s talk.
I’ve worked with people who’ve felt exactly the same way, and I’ve helped them create sustainable habits that actually stick.
Hit reply or schedule a free consultation here. I’d love to help you break the cycle and finally see the results you’ve been chasing.
Tim
