Motivation From One 8fitter to Another
Have you ever felt like you’re constantly chasing a number on the scale like a hamster in a wheel? Or, have you ever caught yourself looking for health or appearance-related validation from close friends or your network on social media? We’ve all been there one way or another.
In part one of our interview with Susan, she shared the awe-inspiring story of her recent health scare and how 8fit helped her regain control of her well-being. In the second part of our interview below, she shares her tips for those of us stuck in health and fitness rut.
What’s your best advice for someone just starting their 8fit journey?
Take the journey and do it for yourself. We live in a world of comparison and teeming responsibility. We take little time to invest in ourselves. When it comes to health, a lot of us are chasing a number on a scale or a selfie that looks like Kim Kardashian’s, but the reality is that those things don’t provide sustainable fulfillment or long-term motivation. It’s fleeting. The ability to really feel healthy and proud of yourself, loving your body and taking care of it daily is priceless. No one else can take that from you.
The beginning of this journey isn’t easy, but with each passing day and week it gets easier. Then, at some point, something magical happens and your mindset changes. You start to feel love for yourself and the pursuit of health becomes addictive. Like any habit though, it takes time to build. I would advise that you give yourself the gift of time (i.e. months, not days). I promise wholeheartedly that it’s worth it.
In the event that you decide it’s too hard, or you’re having a bad day and feel like you’ve ‘failed’, dust yourself off and let every ounce of shame disappear. Get back up and start again with that next meal or next workout. I’ve done it many times over the past year and a half and was proud of myself each time. I knew that, in the grand scheme of things, I was still making progress. Also, the alternative was not one I was going to accept because I owed that to myself.
Anything else you’d like to share with 8fitters out here?
Any change takes time. It’s always harder in the beginning, but it gets easier once it actually becomes a habit. I’ve noticed that little baby steps here and there add up faster than we realize. Every once in a while, if I have a bad day and get off track, I review my history within the 8fit app and see that for each one of those less than ideal meals I’ve had seven great, wholesome meals. Seeing this visually, reminds me of the progress I’m making and helps me to avoid getting discouraged by one less-than-perfect meal.
Lastly, any journey in life is not meant to be taken alone. The community of support that the 8fit app, coaches, Facebook groups, and leaders provide is unparalleled to any other health app I’ve tried. They’re there to address any questions or concerns, provide extra motivation, and take the time to understand your individual story. They create a truly judgment-free space that is genuinely there to help you love yourself.
I can’t say enough positive things about the program and will continue to utilize the app and the community on a daily basis.
Do you want to share your story with the 8fit community? Drop us a line, we want to hear from you.
