Hey there. For as long as I can remember, the fitness and weight loss industry has pushed the idea that the number on the scale is the ultimate marker of success. If the number goes down, we’re told to feel good. If it goes up, we’re told to feel bad. If it doesn’t move at all, we’re left frustrated and questioning our efforts. But here’s the truth I’ve learned and continue to share: the scale is only one part of the story.
The inside/out approach is about shifting the focus away from what you can’t fully control and toward what you can. You can’t guarantee that you’ll lose a certain amount of weight in a set timeframe. Even if you follow a plan perfectly, the number may not move the way you want it to. And when that happens, frustration builds and motivation fades. What you can control, though, are your actions, your mindset, and the way you track your progress.
This is why I encourage people to use multiple progress points instead of relying on just the scale. Each time you weigh yourself, add in three quick photos “front, side, and back” and take a waist measurement. The photos help you see gradual changes you might otherwise miss. The waist measurement is simple, quick, and meaningful because most of us want to see progress in our midsection. All of this takes just a minute or two, but it gives you more data and takes the emphasis off that single number staring back at you.
There’s another powerful benefit too. Taking photos consistently helps you get more comfortable with your reflection. Many of us have a complicated relationship with the mirror. We pick ourselves apart, criticize what we see, and avoid facing ourselves directly. By making photos part of your progress updates, you start to normalize seeing yourself and can gradually shift that self-talk toward something more supportive. It’s not about tearing yourself down. It’s about choosing to build yourself up.
This way of checking in is part of the YLF framework. It’s about building a foundation that reflects your preferences, focusing on what you can control, and reinforcing your connection with yourself. Weight loss will still happen as a byproduct of consistent effort, but when you focus on more than just the scale, the journey becomes less stressful and more empowering.
If you’re tired of being trapped by the ups and downs of the scale and you want to build a better way forward, I’d love for you to join me in The YLF Experience. It’s a mix of one-on-one and group coaching designed to give you the support, structure, and encouragement you need to create results that actually last.