Hey there. When it comes to progress updates, I think we’ve all been taught to obsess over the scale. That number becomes the thing we fixate on. But the truth is, the scale only tells part of the story. What I’ve found is that combining it with two other pieces of data gives you a much clearer, calmer picture of what’s actually happening.
The three things I recommend tracking are your weight, a waist measurement, and progress photos. That’s it. No need to measure every limb or get lost in the details. Most people are focused on their midsection, so one waist measurement is usually enough. Add in your photos, which give you visual feedback, and the scale becomes just one part of a fuller progress picture.
Now, how often you track is totally up to you. You can do it daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Just make sure you do all three parts when you check in. What I’ve noticed is that the more frequently you track, the more neutral the process becomes. It becomes just part of the routine. But if you space it out more, like monthly or quarterly, you’ll likely see more dramatic changes... which can be exciting but also bring up some anxiety.
The key is to figure out what works for you. That’s part of the inside/out approach. Less about rules and more about what helps you stay consistent and grounded.
And this isn’t just about fitness. I use this kind of tracking in all areas of development. For example, if I’m working on building a meditation habit, I’ll journal about it each day using the Day One app. I’ll tag those entries and later on I can search for that tag to see how I’ve grown. This works for any goal where you want to see long-term progress.
The point of tracking is not to judge yourself. It’s to give yourself honest information. When you’re looking back at months of data or entries, you’ll start to notice real patterns. That’s where the progress is. Not in chasing the perfect number, but in staying consistent over time.
If you’ve got a goal you’re working on and aren’t sure how to measure it, or if you’re feeling stuck trying to figure out where to start, reach out. I’ll help you build a plan that fits your lifestyle.
Join one of the YLF programs to build your routine from the inside/out and start making progress you can actually feel.