5 Mindset Shifts That Made Fitness Finally Stick
One of the most common questions on my “Ask Me Anything(s)” is: “How do I stay consistent with my workout routine?”
Let’s first set the context – a lil’ background story
I think I’ll first be honest to share that I’ve never had a corporate job, and I did spend the majority of school-life being involved in sports (muscle memory exists). But I wasn’t elite or had crazy training regimes to make staying fit second nature. I just wanted to set the context that I have always been able to manage my own schedule for the most part, so don’t let your only takeaway from reading this to be that you have to do better. You deserve to give yourself some grace and all of us have different goals & life commitments❤️
Regardless, I kindda understand why staying consistent can be hard
When I picked up weightlifting for the first time in 2021, I found it too difficult and didn’t reap any results physically. And I quit. I told my husband “weightlifting isn’t for me”, and I went back to bodyweight exercises.
So I get it. Working out is sacrificing so much for a seemingly micro reward. If you agree with this, I hope you’ll find the time to read everything I’m about to share because I’ve now learnt that the rewards are bountiful!
But in 2023, something changed, then everything changed
On my YouTube homepage stood a very intriguing podcast – “Optimal Fitness Routines To Stay in Shape & Myths About Health & Fitness”
I clicked in because I don’t like wasting my effort and time, so I thought listening to a trained doctor in physical therapy would help me figure out if I’ve been doing things to help myself. I was locked in the whole 1.5hours. My mind was blown learning about facts about muscle, womens’ health and more. Listening to this podcast unlocked a new habit that I still have today – listening to trained professionals on podcasts to improve myself.
After hundreds of podcasts, I believe some of these mindset shifts I’ve learnt might change the way you think about health, fitness & wellness
1. Accept That You’re Allowed to Be a Beginner
Just because we’re adults doesn’t mean we’re instantly skilled at everything we try. If a form of movement is new to you, give yourself permission to learn it badly at first. It’s okay to make mistakes and feel like you’re behind. You’re not behind and nobody is watching closely!
We often fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others—seeing someone our age run marathons or do headstands in Pilates, and assuming we should be there too. But that’s like comparing a toddler learning to walk with a professional dancer.
Let yourself stumble. Let yourself feel awkward. You’re not behind—you’re just beginning. And what helps is telling yourself, “I’m new to this, but not for long🙂”
2. Here’s Your Real Goal: To Stop Staying a Beginner
Here’s the twist: while it’s healthy to embrace being a beginner, your job is also to stop staying stuck there.
If you want to run for 30 minutes without stopping someday, the only way there is to keep showing up for those early 5-minute runs. Every time you quit and restart, you're resetting the progress clock. So instead of aiming for perfection, aim for momentum.
What that means is, there will be days where you don’t feel like working out at all. But go do it anyway. Start your walk or run, and give yourself the opportunity to give up for the day only AFTER you have done it for 5 minutes. If you feel like going home or sitting on the couch instead, go. But most people won’t, because the hardest part is starting.
Momentum doesn’t equate to working harder the next time you show up. It simply means to show up because you understand that as long as you do, it won’t be long till you get better and things feel easier:)
3. Learn to get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Our brains are wired to seek comfort and avoid resistance. But if you keep giving in to that voice, you’ll always stay in the same place. Comfort is where growth goes to die.
There came a point where I had to face a hard truth:
I hadn’t met some of my long-time goals because I’d gone too easy on myself. I kept choosing comfort. So either be okay with not achieving my goals (YET AGAIN), or simply do it. I know this isn’t the softest tone, but sometimes social media takes self-care to a level of un-helpfulness. There’s a time and place for it.
Once I admitted that, things shifted. Not because it got easier—but because I stopped expecting it to be easy. That mental friction is part of the process. The more often you meet it, the less power it has over you and you’ll find it spill over to other areas of your life as well. It’s resilience!
4. (arguably the most important) Honour Your Own Commitments Like You Do for Everyone Else
We often say yes to others — bosses, family, partners — without hesitation. But when it comes to ourselves? We flake. That gym session we promised? “Too tired today, we’ll go tomorrow”. That salt or sugar limit we set? Ignored.
Why is it so easy to break promises to ourselves?
When I learnt about this, I felt bad for myself. I was about to go about life disrespecting myself and I’m thankful to know this now.
Many of us were taught to prioritise others growing up, and that conditioning runs deep. But part of becoming an adult is learning that your own needs matter too — and that honouring your time and energy is not selfish. It’s essential.
Even if you’re juggling parenting or caregiving or a packed schedule, the small acts — 10 minutes of movement, a short walk, stretching at night — can be sacred if you choose to protect them. On weekends, involve your children, I wish my parents were big on walking, running, cycling, swimming and ball sports.
To Be Continued,
In Part 2, I’ll talk about why aesthetic goals often backfire, how to stay in this for the long haul, and why buying new gear might be more strategic than you think.
