Hey there. For most of my life I believed what the fitness and weight loss industry told me. That if I could just change my body, if I could just reach that ideal look, then I would finally feel happy and fulfilled. Maybe you’ve felt that too. You work hard, hit a milestone, and for a moment you’re proud of yourself. But then that feeling fades and you’re left asking, “Is this all there is?”
That’s because chasing happiness from the outside in never works. The fitness industry thrives on marketing to our insecurities. It convinces us that who we are right now is not enough. And when we buy into that, it keeps us stuck in a cycle of chasing and never really feeling satisfied.
The answer I’ve found is to live inside/out. Instead of looking outside of myself for validation or happiness, I focus on connecting with who I am first. From that place of connection, everything I build outwardly feels different. I can still set goals, push myself, and achieve things, but I do it from a foundation of already knowing that I am enough. And you are enough too.
Living this way requires daily reinforcement because the outside noise doesn’t stop. That’s why I practice checking in with myself almost every day. It doesn’t take long. Just a few minutes in the morning to scan how I feel physically, emotionally, and mentally. Am I tired? Am I energized? Am I stressed? Am I calm? These quick check-ins give me clarity on where I am and what I need.
That awareness carries into how I eat, how I move, and how I show up in every part of my life. And the best part is that it builds a sense of calm. Instead of running on autopilot or chasing someone else’s standard, I know where I stand and I can make choices that fit me.
It’s important to remember that eating and exercise will always be part of our lives, hopefully for decades to come. So why not build these things around our preferences instead of someone else’s expectations? When we do, the process feels sustainable. It no longer feels like punishment or something we can’t keep up with.
If you’ve been on this journey for years and you’re ready for a different approach, I’d love to help. The YLF Experience is my hybrid coaching program that blends individual guidance with group support at a price point that’s accessible and guaranteed. You don’t have to keep chasing happiness from the outside. Start with yourself, live inside/out, and watch how everything changes.