Hey there. In the weight loss space “and in life in general” you hear people talk about distancing themselves from their "old self." It’s like we’re trained to believe the past version of us holds no value. This mindset, reinforced by societal expectations, contributes to internal turmoil for so many people.
There’s no such thing as the “old you” or the “new you.” You’re the same person, constantly evolving.
When you think about your life as a series of lessons and experiences, you realize that every phase, even the ones you’d rather forget helped you grow. Those moments of survival, the ones you might want to erase, were the times you were strongest.
Take weight loss as an example. People often look at their past selves and say, “I wasn’t taking care of myself back then. I was lazy, undisciplined.” But was that person really lazy? Or were they doing the best they could with what they had at the time? Often, that version of you was in survival mode. You were handling pain, doubt, and uneasiness the best way you knew how.
Surviving is not failure, it’s resilience. You’re Resilient AF…but that’s a topic for another day
Learning to Appreciate Every Stage of Life
Our culture loves to glorify transformation stories, especially in health and fitness, but those narratives often neglect the deeper truths. Transformation isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about building on the foundation of who you already are. That’s why I advocate for what I call the inside-out approach.
You have to start by appreciating the person in the mirror, not just the body, but the human being. The mind, heart, and soul. This doesn’t mean excusing poor choices or ignoring destructive habits. Growth requires you to own your actions, even the ones you’re not proud of, and then decide what to carry forward.
Some things from your past won’t serve you anymore, and that’s okay. Call it what it is…hot garbage 😂 and leave it behind. But that doesn’t mean the person you were back then was worthless. Far from it. That version of you fought to get you here.
Resilience in Action
For me, life has been full of moments that shaped my perspective. I was born three months premature and developed cerebral palsy due to a lack of oxygen at birth. I grew up with this deep awareness of how fragile life could be.
As a kid, I faced challenges that tested my confidence. I dealt with name-calling, societal expectations, and the constant pressure to “take what I could get.” Yet even in those moments of doubt, I pushed forward. I kept going. And that persistence has carried me through every stage of life.
It’s not always easy. There were times I lived for others, trying to meet their expectations, and it left me feeling resentful and bitter. But even in those darker times, I learned. I grew. And eventually, I reached a place where I could embrace my evolution. Not as a rejection of my past self, but as a continuation of my story.
Building a Strong Foundation
Here’s the thing the fitness industry often glosses over: sustainable change starts from within. It’s not just about habits or discipline; it’s about building a foundation rooted in self-acceptance. That’s why I talk about six minimum daily actions…simple, repeatable steps that form the core of the inside-out approach.
When you focus on building this foundation, everything else becomes more manageable. You stop trying to erase your past and instead use it as a source of strength.
So, stop looking for the “new you.” There’s only one you. Own every part of your journey. The good, the bad, and the messy in-between. Never forget that YOU set the course for where you want to go next.
Ready to start building a foundation that lasts? Join The YLF Experience and begin your inside-out journey today. You’ll gain the tools, structure, and support you need to appreciate who you are and create the life you want.
👉🏻 Sign up here: The YLF Experience