Hey there. You’ll hear a lot of people say that you’re in competition with yourself when it comes to fitness and weight loss. But I think that mindset is completely wrong. You are not battling yourself. If you go into this with the mindset that you’re constantly trying to outwork, outsmart, or out-discipline yourself, you’re going to lose eventually.
That doesn’t mean you won’t see results for a while. You might push yourself hard, hit some goals, and feel like you’re winning. But long term, if the voice in your head is always one of competition instead of support, you’ll burn out. You are the person you spend the most time with. That ongoing dialogue in your head will either build you up or tear you down.
Coaching vs. Competing
The key is to work with yourself, not against yourself. Think about it. Would you want a coach who constantly tells you that you’re not doing enough, not working hard enough, or not making progress fast enough? No. A good coach encourages you, helps you evaluate and adjust, and reminds you that setbacks happen.
That’s the approach you need to take with yourself. You can still push yourself, but it should come from a place of self-support, not self-judgment. When you learn to work with yourself instead of against yourself, consistency becomes easier. You’re no longer trying to prove something—you’re just showing up for yourself every day.
The Fitness Industry Gets It Wrong
A lot of what is considered “tried and true” in the fitness industry is actually wrong. The messaging that you need to constantly grind, constantly hustle, and constantly beat your previous best is exhausting. That mindset keeps people stuck in a cycle of all-or-nothing thinking.
Instead of aiming for perfection or competition, aim for consistency. If you can show up, do the best you can, and adjust when needed, you will get results. More importantly, you’ll be able to maintain them.
Be in Your Own Corner
At the end of the day, you’re the only one who truly knows what’s going on inside your head. Be your own coach, not your own worst enemy. Encourage yourself. Give yourself credit for the small wins. Stay patient. The way you talk to yourself matters more than you think.