Hey there. When it comes to your eating and exercise plan, there is one question you should be asking yourself regularly. Can I keep this up?
Whatever program you’re following, whatever routine you’re trying to build—ask yourself if it’s something you can see yourself doing week after week, month after month, year after year. If the answer is no, then something needs to change.
Why Sustainability Matters
This whole process is about consistency. It’s not about how fast you can lose weight or how extreme you can go for a few weeks. What really matters is what you can sustain over the long term.
Think about it this way. If a friend came to you and explained the exact plan they were following, would you tell them it sounds reasonable? Or would you think, "Wow, that’s a lot... I don’t know if that’s realistic for the long haul"? If it seems too restrictive or too intense, it’s probably not something that will last.
The Problem with Jump Starts and Extreme Plans
Quick fixes, challenges, and intense programs can get you started, but they don’t address the bigger issue—how to make fitness a permanent part of your life.
The truth is, you won’t really know if something works until you’re 12 to 18 months in. If you’re still following the same core habits a year later, that’s when you know it has clicked. It’s not about being perfect every day. It’s about having a default mode—a routine that feels natural and sustainable.
How to Build a Plan You Can Stick With
Start Where You Are – If walking is what you can do right now, that’s great. Don’t feel like you have to jump into intense workouts just because everyone else is.
Track What You’re Doing – Not obsessively, but enough to be aware of what’s working for you. Pre-tracking your meals the night before can help.
Choose Foods You Enjoy – Your eating plan should be built around foods you like, not just what someone else says is best.
Focus on the Long Game – Forget about quick results. Ask yourself, "Can I do this for life?" If not, adjust it to fit your preferences.
You Are Not a Failure
If you can’t follow a program exactly as it was written, that doesn’t mean you failed. Most plans aren’t designed for long-term success. They’re short-term solutions for the masses. The key is making the adjustments that work for you.
The real win isn’t sticking to a strict diet or exercise plan. It’s finding something you can do forever. So, ask yourself today—is this something I can sustain? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track. If not, it’s time to adjust.
If you’re looking for a fitness approach that actually works for your life, join The YLF Experience and build something sustainable.