Hey there. One of the most empowering things about fitness is that it’s not a competition with anyone else—it’s all about you. You set the benchmarks, track your progress, and work toward getting better over time. But here’s the thing: how you approach this process matters just as much as the effort you put in.

You’ve probably heard the phrase “you versus you.” It’s a powerful concept because it shifts the focus inward. But too often, people use it to tear themselves down. They pit their current self against an idealized version of who they think they should be and use that as fuel. While it might seem motivating at first, this mindset can hold you back in the long run.

True progress happens when you’re on the same page with yourself. That means being kind, compassionate, and honest with yourself. Yes, it’s important to challenge yourself, but doing so with a foundation of self-support rather than self-criticism makes all the difference.

Think about it: you spend more time in conversation with yourself than anyone else. If that dialogue is full of criticism, it’s going to limit how far you can go. But when you start embracing who you are—liking and even loving yourself, you create an environment where real, sustainable progress is possible.

So, the next time you’re working toward a goal, remember this: you’re not just competing with your past self. You’re also coaching and supporting the version of yourself that’s trying to grow. Be the coach you’d want to have compassionate, motivating, and patient.

Ready to take this mindset into your fitness journey? Join The YLF Experience and learn how to build a sustainable, preference-based approach to fitness and self-growth. Sign up for The YLF Experience here.