This Is What Happens
It starts with frustration and embarrassment.
The first step is walking through the door.
Perfection isn’t necessary at this stage. Just do something.
Quickly you’ll see some progress in the gym.
Now it’s on.
A new belief this might work.
Next comes the small visual changes.
“See that? That wasn’t there last week.”
You'll feel excited. You like these changes.
You'll start looking at food differently.
You’ll start saying no to alcohol.
Family and friends are confused.
Your appetite and energy levels increase.
You’ll start to sleep better.
Suddenly, the little things matter.
Gym progress has gone from never to frequent gains.
People start to notice your changes.
“Have you been working out?”
Training now has a meaning.
You’ve become obsessed with hitting PBs every time you walk into the gym.
Weighing food isn’t as torturous as you’d been led to believe.
You take menus more seriously now.
“Sorry, how much does the chicken weigh?”
Meal prep is no longer a chore. Instead, it’s just part of your daily routine.
Your schedule starts getting planned around training and eating.
“How long will this take? I need to eat.”
You’ll start to talk about training in everyday conversations.
You'll think about reps and sets while trying to focus on “more important” things.
You begin to notice people's eating habits and what others do in the gym.
You find yourself rolling your eyes a lot.
Family and friends become less supportive.
“This isn’t sustainable.”
They’ll start pushing old habits on you believing this is just a fad.
“A little bit won’t hurt.”
Some “friends” drop off. You’re no longer fun. You’re boring. You’ve “changed.”
Yes, you have.
Old clothes no longer fit. A new wardrobe needs to be purchased.
You carry yourself differently.
You feel stronger.
You walk with more confidence.
People will look at you when you enter a room. Many out of secret jealousy, hidden by outward disgust.
You catch people staring at different body parts while trying to have a conversation.
“Excuse me. My eyes are up here.”
Random people start asking for advice on the best way to get in shape.
People feel the need to touch you.
Not training isn’t an option.
It’s your happy place.
Time away from it brings anxiety and agitation.
Those who don’t understand will call it an obsession. An addiction.
But it’s no more an obsession than breathing or sleeping.
It’s just what you do.
It’s part of life.