“It’s funny, I’m not sure if you have other clients with similar experiences, but most of the time, when I look down, I feel like my stomach looks basically the same as it did when I started.
I know that is not objectively true, given the photo comparisons and the compliments I keep getting, but I don’t look defined enough to feel like all this time and effort shows.”
Jared said this at his latest check-in. It was clear the “photo comparison” was in his mind, and over time, his ability to picture his condition when he started had faded.
I’ve seen this happen a fair amount. The mind plays tricks on us. Photos snap us out of it. So, I made the photo comparison for him.
I said, “It’s funny how our minds can play tricks on us sometimes. You’ve lost ~40 lbs and ~20 cm off (~8 inches) your stomach, and it can still feel like you haven’t made progress because the final two abs haven’t come through just yet.”
“WOW! This caught me by surprise. It helps to put things in perspective as to why people have been commenting on the change. I am very excited to shift gears and move to a bulk now. Thank you for the updated targets!”
You might look at this time frame and not be impressed with his total weight loss.
But as you know, the battle isn’t losing weight. It’s finding a way to undo a decade of poor habits and install new ones while navigating his work and family commitments to make it a sustainable change.
You’re not a bride trying to squeeze into a wedding dress. You’re after a lasting transformation.
And remember, when you’ve been on a journey for so long, it can be easy to lose sight of how far you have come. So make sure you take photos of yourself and check them from time to time.
Jared — bravo, my man! I’m excited to begin this bulking phase with you.