Humans and change are like oil and water. As much as we can avoid being together, we do. It takes constant whisking, shaking and stirring to get us to play nicely. That is why personal development and personal growth is just like a muscle. The more you use it, the more you see it and the less sore you feel over time.

One of the biggest a-ha moments I have with client is when they realize that true self-transformation is exhausting and brilliant all at the same time. Deciding to be better isn’t just smiles and motivating self-help books. People who are really dedicated to growing their mind, body and spirit know that all that energizing self-help-y stuff is just the tip of the iceberg.

I realized this week at the gym that after over 11 years of working out, I’m actually at a place where workouts are now just something I do. The idea of working out is no longer something that I have to fit into my schedule or something that I have to fight with. It is woven into the fibers of my every day life, just like brushing my teeth or drinking 200+ oz of water per day.

It hasn’t always been like this, though. For the majority of the last 11 years, exercise has been something I fought with. Ever had these thoughts running through your mind: “I should exercise today.” “I was doing so good for a few weeks and then X happened.” “I just can’t get up early to get a workout in.” “I didn’t have time today.”

Those excuses don’t exist in my mindset anymore. If you want me to talk about all of the time, energy and habits that went in to this, I will at a later time, but what I want you to walk away with is that the things you are working toward take time. I don’t think every goal should take 11 years but it’s a reminder of how small daily habits really do make a difference.

If you’re frustrated where you’re at right now in life, focus on being good at getting better. Approach each day with the thought: “how can I be better than I was yesterday?”