Hey there. When it comes to building long-term success in fitness and weight loss, most people are told that real progress happens only when they push outside of their comfort zone. I used to believe that too. But over time, I’ve realized that what actually builds momentum, trust, and results is learning how to show up consistently, even on the days when I don’t feel like it.
That’s where minimum daily actions come in. A minimum daily action is the baseline commitment I make to myself, something that’s set just slightly below my usual expectations. For example, if most of my workouts are about thirty minutes long, I’ll set my minimum at twenty minutes. That way, even when I’m tired or not feeling it, I can still get started and hit that goal. And the interesting thing is, more often than not, once I get moving, I’ll go past that minimum. Suddenly, a day where I almost skipped turns into a super productive workout.
This approach eliminates the constant mental tug of war that so many of us go through. Instead of arguing with myself about whether or not to go to the gym or whether or not to make the healthier choice, I can take a step back, quiet the chatter, and just do what I committed to doing. I don’t have to be perfect. I just have to start.
The other benefit is that these minimum actions set me up to exceed my goals instead of constantly struggling to meet them. When I stack small victories throughout the week, I build a pattern of trust with myself. I see evidence that I can show up and follow through. That’s a much healthier headspace than constantly chasing goals that feel just out of reach.
And while I’m talking about workouts here, this mindset applies to any daily or weekly goal. Nutrition, personal habits, even areas of life outside of health and fitness. By practicing calm, deliberate consistency, I get to a place where my actions are less about willpower and more about identity. I’m not trying to force myself into something. I’m simply reinforcing the belief that I can do this, and then I prove it to myself again and again.
This is the heart of the inside/out approach. It’s not just about what I do on the outside, but about building the belief and the trust inside that allows me to keep showing up. It’s not about punishing myself for falling short. It’s about creating an environment where progress feels possible every day.
If you’re tired of starting and stopping, or constantly fighting against yourself, this approach may be exactly what you need. And if you want some extra guidance and structure, I’d love to help. You can join The YLF Experience, where we’ll work together to build a sustainable plan that fits your life.