You’ve Come a Long Way, Maybe ...

At the gym the other day, a woman in my exercise class stopped me and said, “I just want you to know that you are looking so much stronger than when you first started. I’m telling you this because it’s hard to see changes in yourself that happen little by little, but you have come a long way.”

Her timing couldn’t have been better. I was feeling down on myself. I had spent the last two weeks getting over COVID-19, and I was mad at my body for getting so sick. I also felt frustrated that after months of extra workouts and intermittent fasting, I still was not where I wanted to be in terms of fitness. In fact, I was far from it. 

My classmate’s words of encouragement were just what I needed to hear. They reminded me that sustainable change happens little by little – so slowly that it’s hard for us to see it in ourselves. I’ve heard that airline pilots, when changing direction, turn so slowly that most people don’t even feel the shift. 

Change in people often happens like that, too. Although the results of your efforts may not always be evident to you, others may see what you are too close to recognize. As a coach, one of the most rewarding aspects of the job is reminding clients how far they have come. Having your progress acknowledged can be a powerful m

otivator. 

A coach isn’t the only one who can recognize change in you. If you are working on something, tell your friends and family, and schedule check-ins with them. This will help you stay on track; they also may see something you don’t. Good luck!