The Stories We Tell Ourselves (and Why It’s Time to Rewrite Them)

We all have a running dialogue in our heads — stories we tell ourselves about who we are, what we can (or can’t) do, and what’s possible. Some of those stories are helpful. But many? They quietly sabotage our progress, especially when it comes to our health and fitness.

They sound like:

“I’m too tired to work out today. I’ll start tomorrow.”

“I’ll start on Monday… or maybe next month.”

“I’ve let myself go. What’s the point now?”

“Last time I tried, I didn’t stick with it. Why would this time be different?”

“It’s just my age — I can’t get in shape like I used to.”

“I’m not strong enough to finish this workout.”

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. These aren’t just excuses. They’re beliefs — and beliefs, even when false, can feel like truth. The problem is, when we repeat them often enough, they become our reality.

But here’s the truth:

These stories might explain where you are right now, but they don’t have to define where you go next.

The Real Reason We Get Stuck

It’s not lack of motivation.

It’s not lack of time.

It’s not even your age, your schedule, or your current fitness level.

It’s the narrative playing on repeat in your mind.

That voice that tells you you’re not strong enough, disciplined enough, young enough, or “fit” enough to get started — or to keep going — is trying to protect you from failure. But in doing so, it’s keeping you from growth.

Let’s Try on a New Story

What if your new story sounded like this?

“I’m tired, but I’ll move for 10 minutes and see how I feel.”

“I don’t need Monday to start — I just need *this moment*.”

“Everyone starts somewhere. Starting today is better than waiting for perfect.”

“Just because I’ve failed before doesn’t mean I’m not capable now.”

“Age might change how I train — but it doesn’t mean I stop.”

“I’m stronger than I think, and I’m getting stronger every time I show up.”

These small shifts in language can create powerful changes in how we show up for ourselves — not just in our workouts, but in our everyday lives.

You Are the Author of Your Story

You may not control every circumstance, but you do get to write your next chapter. You get to decide that your past doesn’t dictate your future. You get to choose effort over excuses, even when it’s uncomfortable. Especially when it’s uncomfortable.

So next time your brain offers you a story that keeps you small, ask yourself:

“Is this true?”

“Is this helpful?”

“What would I tell a friend who said this about herself?”

Chances are, you’d remind her of her strength. You’d encourage her to start small, be kind to herself, and keep going — even when progress feels slow.

So let’s do that for ourselves, too.

This is your reminder: You are not too old. It is not too late. You are not too far gone. And you are absolutely strong enough to start.

Let’s rewrite the story together. Ready to get started? Schedule your Introductory Consultation today.

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