Invisible wins

Friday, November 15

In the group chat feature of the fitness app I use, someone commented (complained) that they’ve been working out for 5 weeks and, though they feel good, they are not seeing any “visible” progress.

Now, every situation is different but a quick Google search suggests that while you may see some progress in the first 4-6 weeks, long term changes start to take shape around 8-12 weeks.

Based on that, this person is right on schedule. But isn’t that just how we operate? We spend years building bad habits, then expect to transform ourselves overnight. We were incredibly patient to neglect our health or relationships or finances or mindset, but become impatient when trying to rebuild.

A reminder: progress is a process. It always takes longer than you think.

But the bigger point for me was the “visible” progress. Of course you want to see the results of your hard work in the gym (or any whatever area of life you are working on). But while the visible results may take longer than you want, the invisible progress is happening daily.

This person is more resilient than they used to be, more disciplined than they used to be, more consistent than they used to be, more accountable than they used to be. I’d call that progress. And that kind of progress can carry over into every area of life.

When you are pursuing a goal, don’t just look at the big picture outcome. Look at the small wins you are gaining along the way. Look at who you are becoming along the way.

Because who you become is far greater than what you accomplish.​ Celebrate the invisible wins.
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Keep chopping wood. 🪵🪓

-Kevin