What I believe to be a cornerstone to growth is something simple yet profound: honesty. Not the kind you reserve for others—that’s a given—but the honesty you have with yourself. It sounds straightforward, doesn’t it? Just be honest. But here’s where it gets interesting—there’s some fine print to it. Stick with me as we unpack this together.
Have you ever come across the saying, “How you do anything is how you do everything”? Take a second to let that sink in. It’s one of those truths that hits differently when you really reflect on it. Those little, seemingly inconsequential moments? They often tell the bigger story of how we approach life.
Let’s break it down. Picture this: you’re in the middle of a tough workout. Your muscles are on fire, your breath feels like it’s running out, and you’re this close to skipping the last few reps. Sounds familiar? We’ve all been there. But here’s the kicker—what happens when you give in to that urge to cut corners? On the surface, it seems harmless: fewer reps, less effort, no big deal. But beneath that, you’re setting a precedent for yourself. It’s like planting a tiny seed of settling for less. Worryingly, you will more likely start to see the roots weave their way into other parts of your life?
Now, here’s where self-honesty comes in. In that moment, ask yourself: Am I giving this my all? Or am I finding excuses to take the easy way out? This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being real with yourself—about your effort, your intentions, and what you’re willing to do to move forward.
Let’s flip the script for a second. What if, instead of stopping short, you pushed through? What if you silenced the excuses, did those last few reps, and proved to yourself that you could? Think about the ripple effect that could have—not just on your fitness, but on your confidence, discipline, and the way you tackle life’s challenges. A good way to think of honesty is as a muscle, just like those you use in a workout—the more you exercise it, the stronger it will become.
This year and for the foreseeable ones, ask a little more of yourself here. When push comes to shove, don’t take the easy way out and keep yourself honest, you will only be better off for it.
