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If you missed my email from a few weeks ago, Steve asked me to create more fitness and nutrition content for the Rebellion community. Since then, I’ve received numerous emails from people expressing a common concern: a lack of confidence in their ability to make lasting changes this time. Sound familiar? Here are some of the challenges people shared:
- “The biggest challenge is losing confidence in the process and in myself.”
- “I struggle to believe that consistency will pay off. I’m afraid that no matter what I do, I’ll fail.”
- “I’m terrified of failing. I try to avoid it, but everything feels so overwhelming. I know all the ‘right’ things to do, but I can’t seem to find the energy or motivation to take action.”
These feelings are completely normal. (Though that doesn’t make them any easier to deal with!) So, what can we do when we feel stuck and overwhelmed by the enormity of it all?
The Most Important Thing
While everyone’s story is different, I’ve found one strategy that significantly increases the chances of success: building momentum early—and then protecting that momentum.
Early wins make the rest of the journey easier. And while early victories might include things like seeing the scale move or getting stronger in the gym, those results often take weeks or even months to materialize. That doesn’t help when you’re feeling insecure and overwhelmed right now.
Instead, I recommend focusing on and celebrating your efforts. Identify 1-2 small, repeatable actions you can take every day. Each time you complete one of these actions, treat it as a victory—a small sign of progress. Over time, these victories build evidence that “I’m the type of person who can do hard things.”
That tiny bit of hope?
It might just be enough to carry you through the tough moments.
A Real-Life Example
Take our client Ben, for instance. When we started working together, he was in the exact same boat:
- A grueling work schedule with an hour-long commute each way.
- Four young kids at home.
- A recent health scare made him realize it was time to make a change.
- He wasn’t sure where to start and was convinced this would be another failed attempt.
We talked openly about his challenges—his time and energy limitations, his fear of failure, and his hope for a future where fitness felt manageable and sustainable.
Then, we identified a few small actions to start with:
- Take a 10-minute walk during his lunch break.
- Create a list of healthy meal options at restaurants near his workplace for when he’s in a pinch.
- Do a plank every time he brushed his teeth.
While these actions might seem minor, they had a huge impact. They allowed him to build consistency and practice overcoming obstacles. Later, we could focus on optimizing results.
The real magic wasn’t just the physical changes—it was the shift in his mindset:
- “I’m the type of person who shows up.”
- “I can trust myself to follow through.”
- “I know how to get back on track when life gets in the way.”
Ask any of our most successful clients, and they’ll tell you the biggest change wasn’t just in their body—it was in how they thought about fitness, habits, and their ability to succeed.
The Pitfalls to Avoid
When we try to optimize and do everything “perfectly” from the start, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and give up. This only reinforces the belief that we’re incapable of change—that we’re “just one of those people” who can’t make it work.
That’s the trap we want to avoid!
Of course, everyone’s starting point is different. Some people can jump into a weekly workout routine or make aggressive nutrition changes right away. The key is to take on less than you think you can handle—ensuring you balance “challenging” with “achievable” so you can build confidence in yourself and the process.
Two years later, Ben’s routine looks completely different:
- He trains 4x a week before work.
- He tracks calories and macros during certain phases and follows a more relaxed approach at other times, focusing on getting plenty of protein, fruits, and veggies.
- He prioritizes sleep and hits over 8,000 steps daily.
While Ben has gotten stronger, lost over 30 pounds, and improved his blood markers, it all started with one thing: building momentum.
Where Should You Start?
Here’s how I’d approach it:
Acknowledge Your Real Challenges and Limitations
This isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff. It’s okay—and normal—to feel this way. (Steve recently wrote about noticing and naming these feelings here).
Start with Practice—Not Perfection
Focus on repeatable actions (like a short workout or adding protein to two meals) rather than the end result. Think of it as practice. You won’t be perfect. You’ll make mistakes. That’s part of the process.
Create Visual Evidence of Your Efforts
In our coaching program, clients check off daily tasks to track their progress. If you don’t have a coach, try the “Awesome Jar” method:
Every time you do something aligned with your goals, write it down and put it in a jar. It’s a tangible way to see your consistency and progress, beyond what the mirror or scale shows.
Celebrate Small Wins
Did you move your body today?
Did you make a mindful food choice?
Did you skip an old habit that no longer serves you?
These are wins worth celebrating. The process leads to the result.
Remember:
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or even hopeless, let’s flip the script.
Start small. Celebrate your efforts.
And let’s rebuild that momentum together.
You’ve got this.
And if you need help finding your first “quick win,” just reach out—I’m here to help.
- Coach Matt
This version is more concise, engaging, and easier to read while retaining the original message.
