If there’s one thing I could tell every single person pursuing health and fitness goals, it would be this — you have to believe you are capable of achieving those goals before you will achieve them. You have to start showing up as a healthy, fit person before you become a healthy and fit person.
In the pursuit of better health and overall well-being, we often find ourselves in the cycle of fleeting resolutions and quick fixes. You know the drill: we vow to eat better, exercise more, and prioritize self-care, only to slip back into old habits. But perhaps the missing link lies not in the actions themselves, but in the very essence of who we believe ourselves to be.
Sustainable health isn’t merely about adopting new habits or routines; it’s about undergoing a profound shift in our identities. It’s about redefining how we see ourselves. When we start to view ourselves as healthy, active individuals, the choices we make naturally align with this newfound identity.
Think about it: sustainable weight loss isn’t just about following a particular diet or exercise plan. It’s about embodying the identity of someone who values health and vitality over temporary indulgences. It’s about recognizing that we are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for.
But how do we actually make this shift in identity? It starts with the small, everyday actions we take. I love the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear and there isn’t a quote I resonate more with than this one — “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” Each healthy meal, every workout completed, every sober evening —it all adds up to reinforce the narrative of our new identity.
The beauty of this approach lies in its simplicity. Meaningful change doesn’t always require radical transformations. Instead, it’s about making small, incremental improvements that gradually reshape our sense of self.
When I first started my own fitness journey, something I repeatedly asked myself was, “What would the best version of myself choose to do?”
My advice to you — choose actions that reflect the person you aspire to be— a person who prioritizes health, vitality, and well-being. Because when we align our actions with our identity, we pave the way for meaningful and lasting health transformations. And that, my friends, is where true empowerment begins!