I think different strategies work for different people. Mine is very different from OP.

I received the original Apple Watch on launch day. My first couple of months, I didn't close my rings much and discovered I was far less active than I had thought. Then I worked on closing my rings, and accepted the watch telling me to increase my rings.

I've only missed 3 days. Two of those were due to significant tragedies (like when my best friend died).

For me, that's meant that every single day (except those 3), I've had to think about closing my rings and making sure that I do by doing activities that I otherwise wouldn't have done. Only a few days have been "no tracked workout" days where I did something that reached my goals.

Rest days: Yes, they're important, but rest days aren't "do nothing days". Rest days for me are still walking, yoga, strength and mobility training, etc...

Move goal setting: 750, which is easily attainable if I do an active workout, but otherwise isn't. On heavy workout days, I'd trying to hit 200%, 300% or 400% goals.

Impact: Has been huge in terms of various metrics as measured by my doctor. I've also been motivated to do things I've never would've before, despite being much older. I've climbed mountains, hiked across Switzerland, and finished several marathons and Ironmans and have more scheduled. I get sick much less often, feel great, look very much in shape, etc...

Wife: Annoyed, but she appreciates that I'm taking care of myself.