Why It Feels So Personal
Clients always tell me, "I swear you wrote this just for me." Or they laugh and ask if I'm somehow reading their thoughts.
I do sometimes talk about client experiences in my blog posts. Always with care, and never with identifying details without permission. So yes, sometimes I am talking about them, but never to them. I’m not using blog posts to send secret messages. If I had something to say to a client, I’d say it directly. These posts are about the shared patterns I see across the board. If it sounds familiar, it’s because you’re not the only one.
It feels personal because I'm writing about what so many of us go through. The specific details might be different, but the struggles? They're shared.
The motivation rollercoaster, the guilt when workouts are skipped, the loop of "starting over" every Monday, trying to do everything "right" and still feeling stuck, these aren't outliers; they're what most people are dealing with.
Shared Struggles That Feel Unique
It's easy to think you're the only one struggling with this, but most people face versions of the same things. That's why my posts feel like they're speaking directly to you; they're saying something almost everyone experiences.
Here are a few things I hear on repeat:
"I was doing so well, and then life got in the way." Life always gets in the way. That's not a failure, it's just life doing what life does. The key isn't to wait for the chaos to end. It's figuring out how to jump back in without needing a perfect Monday or a clean slate.
"Why can I stick to everything else, but not this?" Because most other responsibilities, such as your job, your kids, and your commitments, are non-negotiable. Exercise feels optional. So when you're tired, stressed, or spread too thin, it's the first to go. That's not a character flaw. But your health deserves a spot on that same priority list, even if it looks different than everything else on it.
"I know what to do. I just don't do it." Almost everyone says this. It usually means you're trying to do too much all at once or holding yourself to unrealistic standards. Knowing and doing are two different skills. The bridge between them is support, structure, and practice.
"Everyone else seems to have it together. Why can't I?" Because you're seeing their filtered moments, not their whole story. I coach smart, driven, capable people, and they all have messy parts. No one has it all together all the time, including your coach.
"Why don't I have the energy to work out, even though I know it helps me feel better?" This one hits hard. You're already stretched thin, and your body knows it. When you're under chronic stress, your brain and body try to conserve energy. Pushing through a workout feels impossible because your system is already running on empty. That doesn't mean you're lazy. It means your body's doing what it thinks it needs to survive. So instead of pushing harder, try lowering the bar. A short walk, a few stretches, or ten minutes of movement still count.
Why I Write the Way I Do
No, I'm not spying on your life. But I do listen closely to what people tell me. The same themes come up again and again, just with different details. That's why these posts hit home. And it's also why my clients start to build momentum: We work on the real stuff, holding them back, not just the surface-level habits.
I don't write for one person. I write for everyone trying to navigate health and fitness in real life. It's about figuring out what works for you in the context of your real life, not chasing some ideal version that doesn't exist.
The Shift That Changes Everything
One of the biggest mindset shifts is going from "What's wrong with me?" to "This is actually really normal."
When you recognize yourself in a post, it's not because I'm calling you out. It's because you're not alone. You're noticing your patterns. That awareness is where change starts.
There's power in realizing that other people feel this way too. That voice in your head saying you should have figured it all out by now? It's wrong. I see people every day who are smart and accomplished and still trying to make sense of all this. The key is to stop listening to that judgmental voice and start tuning in to the quieter one that notices your small wins and asks how you might grow from here.
What Counts Is Showing Up
When you get home after work, mentally wiped, you decide to skip the workout. Then you beat yourself up for skipping it. It's a literal waste of energy, energy you could use to fuel positive forward momentum.
But what if you just did five minutes? What if stretching before bed was enough today? It's not about checking every box. It's about doing something. And the more you do that, the more consistent you become.
That's what real progress looks like. Not perfection. Not extremes. Just showing up in the ways that make sense for you.
So if you ever read one of my blog posts and think, "Wow, is she talking about me?" The answer is no. And also, kind of yes.
But no, this post isn’t about you but if you thought it might be, welcome to the club.
“You’re so vain, you probably think this song is about you…”
And if that lyric just triggered a memory, congratulations, we’re both officially aging like fine wine and calling it content.
If any of this feels familiar, it might be a sign it's time to take the next step. Whether it's one-on-one coaching, joining a group program, or replying to this post with a question, that next small move could be the one that keeps you going. I'd love to help you get there.
Questions? I’d love to help.
Lea
Lea Genders is a board-certified health coach, personal trainer, and workplace wellness consultant based in Fort Worth, TX. She offers corporate wellness programs for employee health and productivity, as well as virtual training and coaching for individuals worldwide. Her blog shares expert guidance on strength training, running, and sustainable nutrition @fortworth_trainer
Ever read a fitness blog and feel like it was written just for you? You're not alone. Most of us are dealing with the same challenges. Skipped workouts, guilt after a long day, starting over every Monday, and wondering why it's so hard to stay consistent when we're capable in so many other areas of life. This post explains why it feels so personal, why that's actually a good thing, and how recognizing your own patterns is the first step toward lasting change.