It’s Not About The Goal

Prior to 2020, I have almost no photos of myself that show anything below my shoulders. Seriously, I scoured my photo library and only found a few and even in those I clearly went to great lengths to hide my belly. I used to joke that exercise hurt and the only reason I’d ever run was if I was being chased. Even walking the dog left me winded. Then, right before the covid pandemic hit, a doctor said I was just shy of clinically obese. I decided I had to make a change.

So, I started slow. I walked on a treadmill for a half mile each day. When that got easy, I added a half mile. When that got easy, I increased my speed. Once I got to jogging a mile, I added basic exercises to my routine — sit-ups, light weightlifting. All this went on for months and months and months. Just slow, steady, and regular exercise. Here’s the thing, though…

I didn’t weigh myself. Ever.

I knew from previous attempts to get healthy, if I saw I wasn’t losing weight I’d get discouraged and stop. So, I’d made the decision at the start: This isn’t about the goal, it’s about the routine.

Throughout, I didn’t “push” or “grind.” That “no pain, no gain” bullshit was never for me. I just kept at it, kept increasing distance or speed or adding other exercises when I felt ready. No deadline, no goal weight, no target waistline. Just routine.

Nearly 2-and-a-half years later and my workout has become my favorite part of the day. I’m running 5K five times a week and doing moderate strength training. I did finally weigh myself and I’ve lost more than 20 pounds. But, again, that was never the goal. There was no goal. Just routine.

To be clear, I’m not chiseled or ripped or anything. But, now none of my pants fit anymore (what a good problem to have), I’m sleeping better, I have more stamina, and I’m in the best shape since college.

All this is to say, if you’ve been thinking about making a change or just looking for a way to improve your health, there are simple and easy ways to do it. No infomercial or listicle will tell you that, but it’s true. Because chances are you’re likely not as bad off as you think you are, you just need to give yourself that time each day to devote to your health. Find what works for you and start slow. And remember: It’s not about the goal, it’s about the routine.

Of course, I’m a writer, so I wrote a book about this strategy, of simple ways to get healthy, and the possibility that you might not be as unhealthy as you think. Pretty Sure You’re Fine is out now from Chronicle Books. (It’s also funny, if you’re into that sort of thing.)