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Why Labeling Things as "Good" or "Bad" Can Set You Up for Failure


hear it from clients all the time: "I had a bad day, I cheated." It’s one of my least favorite things to hear because it's simply not true. You didn’t cheat—you made a choice, and your progress is shaped by those decisions. Every choice is part of the journey, not a mark of failure.


We often hear terms like “good” foods and “bad” foods, or “successful” and “failed” workouts. This type of labeling is not only common but also deeply ingrained in how many of us approach our health journeys.


Unfortunately, this black-and-white thinking can set you up for failure in more ways than you might realize. Let’s explore why dropping these labels could be one of the best decisions you make for your overall health.


1. Labels Create Unnecessary Pressure and Guilt


When you label certain behaviors, foods, or habits as “bad,” you’re setting yourself up for feelings of guilt or shame when you inevitably slip up. Have you ever had a "bad" food day and felt like you completely derailed your progress? It’s all too common to think, “I ate one slice of cake, so I’ve already failed—might as well have the rest.” This all-or-nothing mindset can quickly spiral out of control, making it harder to get back on track.


Instead of beating yourself up, try to embrace the concept of balance. You’re human, and indulging occasionally is part of life. By removing harsh labels, you reduce the emotional weight tied to your choices, allowing for a more compassionate, sustainable approach to health. You had the piece of cake, on the next meal, make a different choice to re-create the balance.


2. It Promotes Extremes Rather Than Moderation


When we label things as purely “good” or “bad,” we often gravitate toward extremes. For example, if you believe carbs are "bad," you may be tempted to cut them out entirely, leading to restrictive diets that are hard to maintain. Cutting out your favorite food will cause the rebound of ONLY being able to think about what you cannot have versus all the things you can. This can result in burnout, binge eating, or nutritional deficiencies, all of which can derail your health goals.


A more nuanced approach encourages moderation and balance, allowing you to enjoy a wide variety of foods without feeling deprived. By thinking of foods and habits on a spectrum, you can make choices that align with your overall health goals without the pressure of perfection.


3. It Discourages Long-Term Success


The health and wellness journey is not a short-term sprint but a long-term marathon. When you adopt a mindset of labeling everything as either a success or failure, you miss out on the opportunity for growth and learning. Labeling a workout as a "failure" because it wasn’t as intense as you hoped can discourage you from sticking to a consistent routine. In reality, the fact that you showed up at all is a win!


By embracing the idea that every small step contributes to your overall progress, you’re more likely to stay consistent and maintain your healthy habits over the long term.


4. It Ignores Individual Differences


Not all bodies respond the same way to the same foods, exercises, or wellness practices. What might be “good” for one person’s body could be less ideal for another. For example, some people thrive on a high-protein diet, while others feel their best on a more plant-based approach. Labeling any specific food or practice as universally "good" or "bad" fails to consider the uniqueness of individual bodies and needs.


Approaching your health journey with curiosity rather than judgment allows you to experiment and find what truly works for you. The key to success lies in listening to your body and respecting its signals, rather than forcing it into a one-size-fits-all approach.


5. It Can Hinder Mental Health and Wellbeing


Your mental health plays a significant role in your overall wellness. Constantly judging your food choices, workouts, or lifestyle habits as good or bad can contribute to stress, anxiety, and even disordered eating patterns. Instead of nourishing your body with love and care, you may begin to approach your wellness routine with fear and frustration.


Shifting away from rigid labels can reduce mental strain and help you create a more positive relationship with food, fitness, and yourself. This change in mindset not only improves your mental health but also supports your long-term physical health.


6. It Misses the Big Picture


Health and wellness are complex, and no single food, workout, or day is going to define your overall well-being. Labeling things as good or bad narrows your focus to individual moments, missing the bigger picture of how your habits and lifestyle work together over time.

For example, if you skip one workout or eat an indulgent meal, it doesn’t negate all the other positive steps you’ve taken toward your health. By zooming out and focusing on your broader patterns, you’ll find that a more flexible, forgiving mindset leads to greater success.


Moving Toward a Healthier Mindset

Rather than getting caught up in the cycle of labeling everything as “good” or “bad,” try adopting a more balanced, neutral approach. Ask yourself:

  • Is this decision moving me closer to my goals?

  • How does this make me feel physically and emotionally?

  • What can I learn from this experience?


By reframing how you evaluate your choices, you’ll find that health and wellness are less about perfection and more about progress. The key is to make decisions that support your overall well-being without putting undue pressure on yourself to always get it "right."


In the end, health is about so much more than a single meal or workout. By letting go of restrictive labels, you create space for flexibility, learning, and growth. You’ll find that this more compassionate approach not only makes your wellness journey more enjoyable but also sets you up for long-term success.

So next time you’re tempted to label something as “good” or “bad,” pause and ask yourself if there’s a more nuanced way to look at it. You’ll be surprised at how much freedom and empowerment that shift in mindset can bring.

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