3 Things I Learned from Joining a Gym
When I first started going to the gym, I wanted to get stronger physically — but the biggest changes I’ve noticed have been in my mindset. These lessons have carried over into how I approach my work, my relationships, and my own expectations for growth.
1. Let Go of Perfection
I used to feel anxious about not performing perfectly and would often give up out of shame. Many days at the gym, I felt exhausted and could barely finish a workout. Other days, I showed up but couldn’t find the motivation to push myself.
But I kept showing up anyway — and I realized my body was still getting stronger. Even when I wasn’t performing at my best, the simple act of showing up was enough to create progress. Life can be messy. We battle sickness, busyness, and setbacks that keep growth from feeling linear. Yet when we keep showing up on both the good and bad days, we realize we can still make progress even if it is slow and steady.
2. Push Through Discomfort
I’ve also learned that I can do hard and uncomfortable things — even when I’d rather not in the moment. I used to value comfort so much that it actually got in the way of my health.
Now, I’m learning to make decisions based on reason, not just emotion. I am still paying attention to how I feel but I’ve learned to tell the difference between true limits and temporary discomfort. Sometimes I can go a little further than feels easy, and other times I need to rest. Both are okay.
3. The Value of Rest
Speaking of rest… I’ve learned that recovery is the secret to endurance. I used to think in black-and-white terms: either I was going 100% or I was doing nothing all day. That mindset filled me with shame when I didn’t perform the way I wanted, or it led to burnout when I pushed too hard.
Now I see rest as something intentional and flexible. I can take a few minutes to recover after lifting at max effort or twenty minutes to sit on the couch after playing outside with my kids. Giving myself permission to pause helps me stay steady instead of swinging between exhaustion and guilt.
Growth doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from consistency, courage, and care. Whether it’s the gym, parenting, or personal goals, we don’t have to do it all perfectly. We just have to keep showing up.