I began my career as a software professional in 2013, joining a fast-paced startup. The long hours and sedentary lifestyle took a toll on my health, and by early 2015, I fell sick. It was a wake-up call. I needed a checkup with a doctor. The last time I had visited a hospital was six years ago, and I realized how much I had neglected my well-being. The doctor prescribed medications and advised me to start working out to build stamina. I decided to take control of my health.

I followed the doctor’s advice and started with walking and running. Gradually, I began eating healthier and even learned to cook my own meals. I tried going to the gym, but lifting weights wasn’t for me, so I stuck to running. For a while, things were good.

But life has a way of throwing curveballs. In September 2016, I moved to a new city for a job and struggled to adapt. Around the same time, I experienced my first heartbreak. For months, I was stuck in a cycle of pain and self-doubt. I stopped running and lost the healthy habits I had worked so hard to build.

By mid-2017, I realized that no one was coming to fix my life—it was up to me. I started reading about overcoming heartbreak, letting go, and accepting things as they are. Many blogs suggested building hobbies, working out, and focusing on career goals. Slowly, I began to rebuild. I picked up books, tried the gym again (still not a fan), took up cycling, and even dabbled in photography. I also focused on my career, preparing for interviews and landing a new job by late September 2017.

Through this journey, I learned three invaluable lessons:

1. You are responsible for your life.
2. Sports and workouts strengthen not just your body, but also your mind.
3. Reading can transform your mindset and change the way you see life.

I started participating in cycling and running events, even traveling to nearby cities on my bike. I began to identify as a sportsperson, but the gym remained a challenge. I’d sign up, go for a month, and then stop. The pattern was always the same: I’d wake up late one day, skip the gym, and before I knew it, months would pass before I returned. Still, I kept cycling and running on weekends.

By early 2019, I still hadn’t cracked the code to a consistent gym routine. I realized the reasons:

• I didn’t enjoy lifting weights.
• I expected results too quickly.
• I relied too much on motivation instead of building a routine.

Then, I discovered books like The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg and Atomic Habits by James Clear. They gave me a new perspective: habits are built through systems, not motivation. I learned the importance of morning and evening routines. If I slept on time and woke up early, I could make time for workouts. If I missed a day, I made sure not to miss two in a row.

I didn’t want to waste money on gym memberships I wouldn’t use, so I started working out in a park. I ran and did calisthenics, taking on 30-day running challenges. Over time, I built the strength to lift my own body weight through push-ups and pull-ups. This was a turning point—it shifted my belief from “I can’t lift weights” to “I am someone who enjoys working out.”

By July 2019, I was back at the gym, and this time, I stuck with it. Even when the pandemic hit in March 2020, I maintained my routine, working out at home when necessary.

Fast forward to today, I work out almost six days a week. I lift heavy weights, try new formats like boxing, yoga, and HIIT, and prioritize fitness in my daily life. When I travel, I miss the gym, but I’ve learned to get back on track quickly.

The benefits of this routine extend far beyond physical health. I’ve become more disciplined, less prone to procrastination, and better at managing my emotions. I eat healthier, sleep better, and have developed the willpower to tackle harder challenges. Exercise has become my keystone habit—the foundation that supports every other aspect of my life.

If you’re struggling to build a consistent gym routine, here’s what I’ve learned:

You don’t need motivation, a heartbreak, a New Year’s resolution, or a fancy workout plan. You don’t need to lift heavy weights from day one. Don’t fall into the all-or-nothing mindset. Instead, focus on simply showing up—make it a goal to visit the gym daily and get started.

1. Find a gym near your home or on your commute.
2. Pick a time you can stick to daily (e.g., 7 PM or 6 AM).
3. Master the art of showing up—commit to going at the same time for a month.
4. Start small. Even 10 minutes of exercise is enough to begin.
5. Lift lighter weights and gradually increase as you get comfortable.
6. Eat healthy post-workout meals.
7. Sleep consistently for optimal recovery.
8. Don’t expect quicker results just keep going.

Over time, your identity will shift. You’ll become someone who enjoys working out and prioritizes health. This change will ripple into other areas of your life—work, finances, relationships—and set you on a path to a brighter, healthier future.

It took me nearly four years to change my mindset about the gym, but for someone else, it might take just a month. Be patient with yourself until the habit sticks.

Remember, fitness is a lifelong commitment. Be patient, keep going, and keep getting stronger!

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
— Aristotle