Avoid the All-or-Nothing CycleI think this principle is so important that I'll stick to it even if I can't do a habit as well or as completely as I would like.Too often, we fall into an all-or-nothing cycle with our habits.The problem is not slipping up; the problem is thinking that if you can't do something perfectly, then you shouldn't do it at all.You don't realize how valuable it is to just show up on your bad (or busy) days.Lost days hurt you more than successful days help you.If you start with $100, then a 50 percent gain will take you to $150.But you only need a 33 percent loss to take you back to $100.In other words, avoiding a 33 percent loss is just as valuable as achieving a 50 percent gain.As Charlie Munger says, "The first rule of compounding: Never interrupt it unnecessarily."This is why the "bad" workouts are often the most important ones.Sluggish days and bad workouts maintain the compound gains you accrued from previous good days.Simply doing something—ten squats, five sprints, a push-up, anything really—is huge.Don't put up a zero.Don't let losses eat into your compounding.Furthermore, it's not always about what happens during the workout.It's about being the type of person who doesn't miss workouts.It's easy to train when you feel good, but it's crucial to show up when you don't feel like it —even if you do less than you hope.Going to the gym for five minutes may not improve your performance, but it reaffirms your identity.The all-or-nothing cycle of behavior change is just one pitfall that can derail your habits.Another potential danger—especially if you are using a habit tracker—is measuring the wrong thing.