There's a common theme that has come up lately in my inbox and social media messages.

It's been all about "what am I missing?" and "how will this time be different?"

I can imagine you've probably asked both of those questions before.

There are times where you feel like you're doing everything right, but just aren't making the progress you want.

So you assume you must be missing something. It doesn't make sense. Yup, I've been there a million times. I basically own real estate there.

This one is interesting because sometimes thinking that you're missing something is the very thing that gets you in trouble.

Before I explain... there are two boxes to check first. 

Are you REALLY being as consistent as you think you are? Like be brutally honest with yourself. You're not mindlessly snacking or grabbing bites here and there, eyeballing portion sizes?

After you've checked the consistency box in very honest fashion, part 2 is... have you been consistent for LONG enough?

Patience is critical. It's also difficult. This is coming from the least patient person I know 🙋‍♂️

I know I harp on the long game, your forever plan, and the big picture...

That's why. Change takes time. It's never linear. You have to just keep going.

But here's the deal...

A lot of people think there's some missing piece to the puzzle. 

By believing that, you start to look for the solution. Typically, that solution comes in the form of something extreme or unsustainable.

Which ultimately throws off the two most important things... consistency and patience.

It also impacts the second question that I highlighted above... "how will this time be different?"

When you think you're missing something, you seek answers. When you seek answers in the form of more restriction, unsustainable protocols, and/or cookie cutter solutions, you end up frustrated.

You believe nothing works. You don't want to try anymore.

Until you reach your tipping point. You know the place I'm talking about.

It's where you're so fed up with everything you've tried AND equally as fed up with where you're currently at with your health and fitness.

Rock, meet hard place.

You know you're not where you want to be but you're also jaded. Skeptical. Expecting the same result you've always gotten.

So why will this time be different? You tell me.

If you didn't learn anything from those previous experiences, it will not be different. You'll end up in the same cycle and the same trap with the same outcome.

If you are able to look back at the important lessons from everything you've done in the past, then you can MAKE this time different.

You learned what not to do. You learned that one size does NOT fit all. You learned important lessons about sustainability.

For example, I know that having family traditions around food is important to me. (I know the "gurus" say you shouldn't make food a "fun" thing but they can kiss my grits and they haven't been in my shoes). 

I don't want to feel like a failure for having a fun date with my wife or enjoying some delicious pancakes with my kids.

I also know that I can't completely avoid certain foods I love because I'll eventually over consume.

I know my trigger foods to keep out of the house. I know the meal frequency and timing that works best for my life. I also know how to adapt on the fly when I need to because I don't feel like I'm "on plan or off plan."

The only way you fail is if you stop trying altogether. You are in total control.

If you're feeling like something is missing, it's because you're still trying to follow someone else's plan.

You haven't truly leaned into the fact that you are an individual with needs that are unique to you.

We must start there. Once we do that, the rest falls into place. It won't be linear, there will still be frustrations and setbacks, but you'll keep going because it's sustainable.

If you need help getting started, just hit reply and I'll be happy to help.

All the best,

Mikey