Picture this: You’re standing at the base of a mountain, staring up at the peak. You’ve heard the view from the top is life-changing—the kind of view that makes Instagram influencers scramble for just the right filter. You lace up your boots, take a deep breath, and… promptly trip over a rock five steps in. Welcome to the pursuit of health—a messy, imperfect, and often hilarious adventure that’s more about the climb than the summit.
As a micro gym owner, I see it all the time. People come in with laser-focused goals: “I want to lose 20 pounds.” “I need to get my blood pressure down.” “I want to fit into my wedding suit from 2003.” These are great goals, don’t get me wrong, but they all share one critical flaw—they’re outcomes. The real magic happens when you shift your focus from the outcomes to the inputs, the daily actions that lead to those goals. Why? Because when you learn to enjoy the pursuit, the outcomes tend to take care of themselves.
The Trap of “When I Get There” Thinking
We’ve all been there: “I’ll be happy when I lose the weight,” or “I’ll feel accomplished once I can deadlift my body weight.” It’s a sneaky trap, isn’t it? The problem with outcome-based happiness is that it’s fleeting. Sure, you’ll feel amazing when you hit your goal, but then what? Another mountain appears in the distance, and suddenly, you’re back at the base, feeling unfulfilled.
This is the treadmill of life—always running but never arriving. And if you’re not careful, it’s easy to miss the joy of the run because you’re too focused on the destination.
Here’s the secret no one tells you: Happiness doesn’t live at the summit. It lives in the climb.
Fall in Love with the Inputs
Let me tell you about Anna, one of our gym members. When Anna first walked in, she was laser-focused on losing 30 pounds. She wanted results yesterday and was ready to overhaul her entire life to get there. She thought she’d have to eat nothing but kale, quit her job to train full-time, and sell her soul for a six-pack. (Spoiler alert: She didn’t do any of that.)
Instead, we focused on simple, manageable inputs. She started coming to the gym three times a week. She added a veggie to her dinner plate. She walked her dog for 20 extra minutes every evening. And something incredible happened: Anna started smiling more. She began to love the way her body felt after a workout. She looked forward to the dog walks, even when her dog insisted on chasing squirrels.
Anna found happiness not in the 30 pounds she eventually lost but in the small, consistent actions that got her there. And here’s the kicker: When she hit her goal, she kept going—not because she needed to, but because she wanted to.
How to Flip the Script on Your Fitness Journey
So, how do you find happiness in the pursuit? It starts with a mindset shift. Here’s how to flip the script and make the climb enjoyable:
- Set Process Goals, Not Just Outcome Goals
Instead of saying, “I want to lose 20 pounds,” try, “I’ll go to the gym twice a week,” or “I’ll drink water instead of soda at lunch.” Process goals focus on what you can control, and they’re the building blocks of success. - Make It Fun (Yes, Fun!)
If the idea of exercise makes you groan, you’re doing it wrong. Find something you enjoy—whether it’s a group class, hiking, dancing, or even chasing your kids around the backyard. When you associate movement with joy, it becomes less of a chore and more of a treat. - Celebrate Tiny Wins
Did you drink all your water today? High five! Did you show up to the gym even though it was raining? That’s superhero-level dedication. Celebrate the small victories, because they’re what pave the way to the big ones. - Reframe Setbacks as Learning Opportunities
Messed up your meal plan? Skipped a workout? Welcome to being human. Setbacks aren’t failures—they’re feedback. Use them as a chance to learn and adjust your approach, and then keep climbing. - Surround Yourself with Support
The journey is so much better with a community cheering you on. Whether it’s a gym buddy, a coach, or your dog (seriously, dogs are the best hype team), having support makes the pursuit more enjoyable and sustainable.
The Dopamine Connection
Here’s a fun fact: Every time you hit a small milestone—like showing up for a workout or choosing a healthier snack—your brain releases dopamine, the chemical that makes you feel good. This is why focusing on the inputs works so well. The more you engage in positive actions, the more your brain rewards you, turning those small wins into habits you actually look forward to.
On the flip side, if you’re only chasing the dopamine hit from achieving a big outcome, you’ll find yourself on an emotional rollercoaster, always waiting for the next high. Earned dopamine, the kind you get from consistent effort, is far more satisfying than the fleeting rush of unearned dopamine from instant gratification.
The Climb Is the Reward
At the end of the day, health isn’t about reaching a single goal or hitting a magical number on the scale. It’s about creating a lifestyle that you love—a lifestyle where movement feels good, food fuels you, and every small choice brings you closer to a happier, healthier you.
So, the next time you’re staring at your metaphorical mountain, don’t focus so much on the summit. Look down at your feet, take that first step, and remember: The climb itself is where the magic happens. The view at the top? That’s just the cherry on top of the sundae you’ve been building all along.
Now, go find your happiness in the pursuit—and maybe laugh at a squirrel or two along the way.