She Strengthens

Transforming My Life: How a Shift in Mindset Led to Lasting Change

For years, I enjoyed a fast metabolism, but as I entered my mid-twenties, the weight started to creep on. At first, it was just a few pounds gained over the holidays, but soon I found myself feeling sluggish, unmotivated, and struggling with low mood. I attributed it to the normal stresses of life, but deep down, I knew something was off.

A Wake-Up Call

One day, I stepped on the scale and was shocked to discover that a decade of working a desk job and living a sedentary lifestyle had taken its toll. With a BMI of 24.9, I was on the cusp of being officially “overweight.” Although BMI isn’t a perfect metric, I knew that my petite frame wasn’t hiding any muscle mass gains. It was time to make a change.

The Power of Consistency

I used to think that I was an active person, but the truth was that I lacked consistency. I’d attend yoga classes and even completed two half marathons, but I’d go through long stretches of total inactivity. In 2016, I realized that something needed to change. Since then, I’ve lost over twenty pounds, and exercise has become a consistent part of my routine. Not only has it helped me manage my weight, but it has also boosted my energy and mood.

Mindset Matters

So, what changed? It wasn’t about finding the right wearable tech, diet, or fitness plan. It was about shifting my mindset first. I used to spend too much time researching and planning, but not taking action. I’d get hung up on the what, instead of focusing on the do. I’d wait for motivation to strike, but it would fizzle out quickly. I struggled with consistency because I struggled with motivation, and I struggled with motivation because I struggled with mindset.

Sustainable Motivation

Motivation isn’t something that magically appears; it comes from taking action first. With the right mindset, when you act and finish what you set out to do, it motivates you to continue. Consistency starts with your mindset, and it’s the key to forming a healthier lifestyle.

A Lifestyle, Not a Goal

A healthy lifestyle is ongoing; there’s no finish line. It’s about forever focusing on the next step, no matter how far the mountain’s peak is. You draw success from what you’ve accomplished today, not from reaching a goal. Become focused on the process instead of the results.

Challenging Perceptions

The things that hold you back from getting in shape are often perceptions you have about diet, exercise, and yourself. But just because you perceive something in a certain way doesn’t make it the truth. Challenging your old mindset can be tough, but it’s essential to finding your why. What drives you to want to be healthy? Is it confidence, energy, self-empowerment, or balance? Find your why, and then take the first step towards achieving it.