I'm curious, what do you think when you see something like this...

"If you don't have the body you desire right now... then clearly you don't want it bad enough."

Clearly you're not dedicated or committed (I'm being sarcastic).

So, here's what happened...

I've noticed a lot of fitness content on social media goes something like this... 

"If you want to look and feel great.. you simply need to want it bad enough and stay committed."

And of course the picture showed them at their absolute leanest, more than likely with their shirt off if they're a man or in a sports bra as a woman (it's like a staple to do this apparently). 

First of all, kudos to them for getting so lean. It's not easy.

But you know what else it's not?

Healthy.

And you know what that message is not??

Helpful.

In fact, I'd say it probably hurts more people than helps.

Reason being... sustainable behavior change is hard enough.

Living a healthy lifestyle takes time and patience.

It does NOT take perfection.

It also does NOT include being absolutely shredded.

It also sets unrealistic expectations to the consumer.

You mean... if I'm simply committed then I can be 5% body fat?!

I mean, technically, you could... but do you actually want that?

It depends on what you're committed to.

Are you committed to stepping on stage and competing in a physique show?

If so, then sure.. go for it.

But can we also talk about the sacrifices?

Like.. having to strictly diet. Being hungry all the time. Having no energy. Having no social life. And having everything revolve around food and exercise.

Sounds like a hoot.

What if you're dedicated and committed to family dinners?

What if you're dedicated and committed to improving your relationship with food?

What if you're dedicated and committed to having balance in your life?

What if you're dedicated and committed to stop the obsession and stress around food?

What if you're dedicated and committed to health and longevity?

I don't get it.

It's easy to scroll social media and feel bad about yourself.

Trust me when I say that the people who are posting shots of themselves looking absolutely shredded and telling you that all you need to do is want it badly enough are not telling you the full story.

Yes, you can accomplish anything you desire.

But it's important to know the trade-offs and sacrifices.

In all likelihood, it's not worth it.

Don't lose sight of what matters.... what's truly important to you.

Being "fit" isn't having a 6-pack. For some, it's something like this (a recent message from a coaching client):

Sure, losing 45+lbs has been great for her, but even after losing this much weight, she sees the big picture and isn't obsessing on what she eats.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about chasing someone else’s version of “fit.”

It’s about creating a version of health that you can live with and actually enjoy for years to come.

If that means you have more energy for your kids or grandkids…

If it means you’re no longer winded walking up the stairs…

If it means you can go out to dinner without stressing over the menu…

Then you’re already winning.

So next time you see a “you just have to want it bad enough” post, remember, it’s not about wanting their life.

It’s about building yours.

And yours doesn’t have to be shredded to be worth celebrating.
Mikey