I have a client who's seeing big shifts from where she was just a year ago. Rather than celebrating, however, she's in a state of disbelief and distrust because it didn't happen the way she thought it was supposed to. This WM is inspired by her, and I hope it'll snap a little light on for you, too.
 

When you make small, gradual changes on your way toward your goals like we talk about on Strong Inside Out, you don't usually see huge results immediately. It takes time the way we do it. The way we achieve results is meant to lead you to lifelong, sustainable behaviors and mindsets...which is different than the methods we're usually exposed to.

The majority of what's marketed to us are quick fixes that involve punishment in the form of sacrifice, restriction, rigidity and The Rock-worthy amounts of willpower. This messaging has conditioned us to believe that that's the only way to achieve results.

So when I take people through my coaching or programs and guide them to make small, loving actions that grow and evolve over time, it's a surprise when their mindsets do 180's or their health goals are hit with ease.

The most common thing I hear when people get results through our work is: "I don't understand how I got here!"

What they really mean is: "How did I get here without punishment, restriction, giving up everything I love or shaming myself?"

Long-lasting change that feels like ease and flow doesn't usually come from the quick fix gimmicks because the actions they require aren't sustainable. It's in the mantra you decided to use when you chose your meals this week. It's in the 5-minute movement session you decided to try just to get started moving again. It's in the talk you had with your mom about a boundary you had to set.
 

And since you have the choice, which would you rather feel for the rest of your life: punishment, or ease n' flow? You can choose whichever you want, just know that you have a choice.

Your anti-punishment pusher,
Amy