The Goldilocks rule: how to stay motivated in life and business

Ever wondered why some people effortlessly stick to their routines—like regular training, sketching cartoons, or learning a new language—while most of us struggle to stay on track? The answer lies in the art of designing habits that truly engage us. Inspired by the classic tale of 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears', the Goldilocks rule is all about avoiding extremes and finding that perfect middle ground. Just like Goldilocks skipped the too-hard and too-soft mattresses to settle on the baby bear’s “just right” bed, this principle helps you create the ideal balance to turn fleeting motivation into lasting commitment.

Ready to discover how to make your routines “just right”? Click through this gallery!

Finding the sweet spot

The Goldilocks rule highlights our natural tendency to favor the "just right" balance: neither too much, nor too little. Whether it’s the sweetness of a drink, the coziness of a room, or the challenge of a task, we instinctively lean toward that perfect middle ground.

Having an overwhelming number of options can also lead to frustration, as most people prefer a curated selection rather than endless choices. At the same time, having too few options can leave people feeling constrained or coerced.

The Goldilocks rule in fitness

When it comes to exercise, most people thrive on routines that are “just right” for their fitness level and goals. If a workout is too easy, it won’t help them progress toward their objectives. On the other hand, if it’s overly intense, it can lead to frustration and even giving up.

Why balance beats boredom

Our brains thrive on challenges, but only when they hit that sweet spot of difficulty. Take tennis, for example: playing a serious match against a four-year-old would be a breeze, but also a bore. It’s simply too easy, leaving no room for engagement or excitement.

When too hard is too much

On the flip side, playing against a professional like Novak Djokovic or Serena Williams could be just as demotivating but for the opposite reason. When the challenge is overwhelmingly tough, it’s easy to feel defeated and lose interest altogether.

The power of focus

When a challenge hits that "just right" level of difficulty, something magical happens: your focus sharpens, distractions disappear, and you’re completely immersed in the task. This state of total engagement is a shining example of the Goldilocks rule in action.

Why just-right challenges bring joy

Psychologist Gilbert Brim captured it perfectly: “One of the important sources of human happiness is working on tasks at a suitable level of difficulty, neither too hard nor too easy.” It’s this balance that keeps us energized, fulfilled, and thriving.

The magic of flow

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi described flow as a state of deep involvement where nothing else seems to matter. It’s an experience so fulfilling and enjoyable that people willingly pursue it, even at significant personal cost, simply for the love of the activity itself.

Autotelic traits

Autotelic personalities stand out for their unique meta-skills, including a deep curiosity about life, unwavering persistence, and a healthy sense of humility. These traits create the perfect foundation for experiencing flow, turning even challenging tasks into enjoyable journeys.

The feedback factor

Achieving peak performance isn’t just about tackling challenges that are perfectly balanced in difficulty; it’s also about tracking your progress in real time. By measuring small wins along the way, you stay engaged and motivated, turning each step into a building block toward success.

Tracking progress

When working toward a goal, finding a way to measure your progress is key. For example, if you’re learning a new language, track the number of words or phrases you master each week.

Building a career? Make it a habit to celebrate your achievements, whether it’s completing a project or receiving positive feedback. Recognizing these milestones keeps your brain engaged and motivated, providing the momentum you need to continue growing.

The power of pausing

At the peak of his sales career, LinkedIn executive Dan Shapero made a bold move: he chose to pivot into product management, a completely different skill set, instead of staying on a path that no longer aligned with his goals.

Pulling back to propel forward

Indeed, sometimes taking a step back is the key to making a stronger leap forward, just like a slingshot. If you’re feeling drained, unmotivated, or stuck, it might be time to pause; a thoughtful reset can set you up for a more impactful journey ahead.

How organizations apply the Goldilocks rule

Organizations apply the Goldilocks rule by designing a range of products and services to cater to diverse market segments. They also use it to create comparative subscription plans, strategically dividing customers into three main categories: premium seekers, standard users, and bargain hunters.

The joy of shared challenges

Research shows that students found challenges to be more enjoyable in team settings compared to working alone. The joy was even greater when team members could communicate with each other. Notably, this preference held true even when skill levels and challenges were identical.