“Rise Above: You’ve Got This”

One of the biggest reasons people fail—whether it’s with a workout plan or a business idea—is because when things get tough, we give in to the feeling of “defeat.” Once that thought takes root, it sets you up for one outcome: failure. What you focus on, your mind tends to manifest.

It’s completely natural to feel like giving up when challenges arise. Honestly, avoiding those feelings isn’t easy, especially when things aren’t going as planned. But the real problem starts when people fixate on failure so much that they’re defeated before they even start.

Fear, especially fear rooted in negativity, tends to spread fast. It can hold you back before you even get going. Some people don’t start a workout routine—not because they can’t—but because they’re scared. Fear can be a mental roadblock for many, and when it comes to fitness or lifestyle changes, it usually boils down to two main fears: the fear of failure and the fear of success.

Let’s talk about the fear of failure. Maybe you’ve tried losing weight before, and while it worked for a little while, the results didn’t last. You found yourself back at square one, and now you think, “Why bother? I’ll just fail again.” That’s what fear of failure looks like. It’s the belief that you won’t meet your goals, that you’ll disappoint others, or that you’ll never succeed, so you don’t even try.

Here’s the thing: failure isn’t the end—it’s how we learn and grow. Everyone experiences failure; it’s what you do afterward that counts. Think about how many times successful people like Thomas Edison faced setbacks. The difference between them and those who gave up is simple: they got back up and kept going. You can do the same.

If you’ve stumbled on your weight-loss journey before, use those experiences to your advantage. Every misstep teaches you something valuable: what works for you, what doesn’t, and what you might want to try next. Take those lessons and build a plan that’s tailored to you. Adjust it as you go, make it practical and enjoyable, and stick with it. Even if it takes months or years to see lasting results, it will all be worth it in the end.

Now, let’s tackle the fear of success, which might sound odd but happens more often than you think. This fear is about doubting whether you can handle what comes with achieving your goals. Maybe you’re worried that if you succeed, people will gossip or judge you—or that even if you reach your goal, it won’t truly make you happy. These fears can stop you in your tracks.

In the context of fitness and weight loss, many people fear achieving their goals only to slip back into old habits. That’s why it’s so important to create a plan that’s sustainable for the long haul. Some fear that others will view their transformation with jealousy or skepticism, dismissing their hard work by making excuses about steroids, surgery, or other shortcuts. But remember, those comments don’t reflect on you—they reflect on the people making them.

Here’s what you need to know: people who truly succeed don’t tear others down—they lift others up. Don’t listen to the negativity, because it usually comes from people who aren’t happy with their own lives. Focus on becoming your best self, and let your progress inspire others.

Another way we let defeat creep in is by immediately jumping to negative conclusions when things get difficult. Instead of focusing on solutions, we give in to despair. But challenges are opportunities to grow. Whatever situation you’re facing, someone else has likely been through it and come out stronger. Take a moment to remind yourself that obstacles can teach you more about yourself, and often, the solution is closer than you think.

Whether you’ve struggled with defeat before even starting or let it take over when the going gets tough, you don’t have to stay in that mindset. You have the power to shift your thinking. By focusing on positive and encouraging thoughts, you’ll set yourself on a path toward success and achieve your goals.

So don’t let fear or the opinions of others hold you back. Instead, keep a positive outlook, learn from every setback, and refuse to let defeat take over. Your journey is yours to make—keep climbing and bring others along with you.