So we hear it all the time, “Give 100%.” Well, I think this is great advice. However, there is a time when giving 85% just might be enough. Let me explain. Carl Lewis as we know is one of the most amazing sprinters to have ever lived. If you go back and watch Lewis race you will notice his stride is almost effortless. However, there is something more at play. He’s relaxed and nothing changes in his form throughout the course of his runs. There’s almost no adjustment at all in his form until AFTER he has reached the finish line whereas most runners will alter their form before the finish line.

In a study from Nature Communications researches found that in learning a skill such as a language, playing an instrument, etc the failure rate of 15% seemed to be the maximum allowable while still showing proficiency in the acquired task. That means if you are learning French you don’t have to be 100% fluent. You can shoot for 85% and function among the Parisians just fine.

Back to running. Have you noticed runners these days before races are dancing and jumping around? Take Usain Bolt for example. You would never know from watching him prepare for a race he’s about to compete for a world record and championship. It’s because he’s practicing the art of relaxation. The worst thing a sprinter can do is be tense. Therefore, he is trying to stay loose and relaxed. It has also been proven if you tell a sprinter to run at 85% of their max they will perform better than if 100% is the goal. Weird? Well, not really.

Think of a time when you set out to perform a task at 100%. This means you have to deploy all your faculties necessary for the task. There is no room for margin. This causes great tension. However, if we just go for 85% there is somewhat of a relief. This small amount of mental relief will sub-consciously give us the relaxation we need to get closer to a 100% outcome. It’s why most people ask before a test, “How many can I miss and still pass?” To you overachievers out there who always shot for 100% on exams here’s a virtual eye roll. Just kidding. I’m just jealous.

I experimented with this on my rower. I have a goal of rowing 2000 meters in 7 minutes. I willfully decided I would not go 100%. I would try to hit 85% of my rowing capacity. The result? I shaved 30 seconds off my time. I was still short of 2000 meters in 7 minutes clocking 2000 meters at 8:29, but it seemed to work. I also didn’t waste energy tensing up trying to be at 100% output.

Try the 85% rule to give yourself a better chance at hitting 100%.

You Rule!

Jason