Let Most People Enjoy The Idea Of You

Hey there. There’s something freeing about realizing that most people only ever enjoy the idea of you. The version that fits into their expectations, their comfort zone, or their perception of who you are supposed to be. And honestly, that’s okay. You don’t owe the full version of yourself to everyone.

I used to think that being fully understood was the goal. I wanted people to see the real me. The parts that are confident and sure of who I am, but also the parts that overthink, question, and sometimes doubt. What I’ve learned, is that not everyone has earned the right to know the full you. Most people are content with the surface version anyway. They like the version of you that motivates them, entertains them, or fits their narrative of who you are. The full you is deeper. It’s complex. It’s human.

The same thing happens in fitness. When people see you losing weight or getting stronger, they cheer you on. They love the story. They love the highlight reel. But few stick around when the work gets real. When you start talking about the emotional side, the mental fatigue, or the effort it takes to rebuild your identity from the inside/out. They enjoy the idea of your progress but don’t want to sit with what it actually takes to grow.

And that’s not something to resent. It’s just how people operate. You have to be intentional about who gets access to the full you. The real you. The one who has learned through years of trying, failing, adjusting, and coming back stronger. When you stop trying to convince everyone to understand you, you give yourself space to grow in peace. You start focusing on showing up for yourself instead of performing for everyone else.

In life, this shift changes everything. You stop chasing external validation and start connecting with yourself at a level that is grounded. You realize that the people who are meant to be in your corner don’t just enjoy the idea of you. They appreciate your presence. They celebrate your honesty. They see your effort.

So let most people enjoy the idea of you. You can appreciate their support without needing their understanding. Save the full version for the people and spaces that allow you to be your whole self. That’s where fulfillment lives. That’s where growth happens.

If you’re ready to start building that kind of connection with yourself through fitness, mindset, and self-trust, join one of The YLF Experience. You already have everything you need inside you to start living life as your full self.