Get right back on the horse!
Title: So you've disappointed yourself, and the plan didn't work out. Don't give up!
About three years ago, a colleague and I decided to take our health seriously. We set a goal to lose some weight — and trust me, we tried everything.
There was the 30-day skipping rope challenge, where by Day 30 we were doing 5,000 skips (my calves hurt just thinking about it).
Then came the 5 a.m. Chloe Ting workouts on Teams — our version of accountability.
We even bought a R500 diet plan online that had us eating two boiled eggs and three tomato slices for breakfast, then three Provita biscuits with tuna and Coke Zero for lunch. What were we thinking?!
You name it, we tried it.
Having started on my weight loss journey over and over many times until it became a habit, I have learned a few things. Here are 3 things that journey has taught me:
1. Don't change the goal, change the plan.
A different life requires different actions.
If you’ve ever tried to build a new habit, you know how hard it can be. We often find ourselves in a cycle of starting over, getting discouraged, and giving up.
But here’s the truth: as you work toward the life you truly want, you’re allowed to adjust. Change your plan as many times as it takes — until something finally works.
My takeaway?
Never apologize for restarting.
A new plan beats giving up.
And there’s no shame in trying again — even if it’s for the same goal.
2.Start with someone who has the same goal.
Like so many things in life, it’s easier with a friend.
There were days when one of us didn’t want to do the workout — especially once we passed 1,000 skips. But sharing a photo of our water bottle, or a sweaty post-workout pic, was enough to encourage the other to get up and do their part.
The lie: "Don't tell people your goal" . That advice has its place, but I say: tell someone who can be honest with you — someone who’ll call you out when you’re falling behind.
The truth: Alone it is always hard, especially at the beginning. Buddy up!
3. Stop running away from the truth.
A few days ago, we finally admitted it:
We’ve always known what brings results — we were just hoping for a pain-free shortcut.
As you figure out how to make your dream a reality, you probably already know what works. You’ve seen it work for others.
It’s time to stop searching and commit to the one thing.
Examples: Waking up earlier to build the business, being mindful of what you eat, reading your bible everyday etc.
Keep in mind: Pain cannot be avoided on our way to a better life. But progress? That’s still yours for the taking.
You and I will stay stuck only if we choose to.
Whether it’s excess weight, a tough module at school, or rejection after rejection while applying for funding — keep throwing bricks at it. Keep building.
Start over as many times as you need to.
Just don’t give up on the goal.
Try everything until something works. One day, you’ll crack it.
And in case you need to hear it: I give you permission to start again.
What’s one goal you’re restarting this week?