If you’re trying to improve yourself, the road isn’t smooth. It’s not some freshly paved highway with scenic views and a Starbucks drive-thru every mile. No, it’s more like a gravel road in the middle of nowhere with potholes big enough to swallow your car and zero cell service. And then you get a flat tire. 

Things get extra bumpy in October when the holiday season starts rolling in like a freight train of pumpkin pies and family drama. You’re cruising along, getting your workouts in, feeling good, and then BAM—you miss a workout, inhale three slices of pecan pie, and suddenly your gym routine feels as distant as your New Year’s resolutions. The longer you stay “off track,” the more it feels like you’re trying to hike back up a mountain in flip-flops. But here’s the thing: progress isn’t linear. It’s messy, it’s unpredictable, and it’s definitely not perfect. And that’s okay.

Do You Have These Good Problems?

Forget trying to turn your life into a perfect Instagram-worthy highlight reel. Start small. Like, ridiculously small. If you can’t make it to the gym, do a 10-minute bodyweight workout at home. Don’t have time for a walk? Walk laps around your couch while you’re on a phone call. Your dog might judge you, but hey, progress is progress.

When the holiday chaos starts, be realistic. You’re not going to crush every workout and stick to a spotless meal plan. The goal is survival, not sainthood. Traveling? Pack resistance bands and work out in your hotel room—sure, you’ll feel a little ridiculous doing squats next to the minibar, but it’s better than skipping entirely. Going to a holiday party? Eat a protein-rich snack before you go so you don’t end up treating the dessert table like an all-you-can-eat buffet. And if you do overindulge, don’t spiral into guilt. Just move on. Trust me, nobody remembers what you ate at the party except you.

Problems Don’t Vanish—They Just Get Fancier

Here’s a truth bomb: achieving your goals won’t magically erase all your problems. When you’re out of shape, your problems are pretty obvious—low energy, tight pants, and a general sense of “meh.” But once you start making progress, you’ll find yourself with fancier problems.

Let’s say you finally get into a workout groove. Congratulations! Your reward? Now you have to find time for those workouts in your already packed schedule. Oh, and your friends might start giving you grief for skipping happy hour to hit the gym. Or maybe you lose a bunch of weight and suddenly have to buy a whole new wardrobe. See what I mean? Fancier problems. But here’s the twist—they’re still problems.

How to Handle “Good” Problems

So, what do you do when life throws these new, shiny problems at you? First, recognize them for what they are: proof that you’re growing. Fitting workouts into your schedule is annoying, sure, but it’s a lot better than feeling exhausted and unhealthy. The solution? Treat your workouts like appointments with a very expensive personal trainer who charges you double if you cancel. In other words, make them non-negotiable.

Then there’s the social pressure. Someone at the holiday party is going to side-eye your plate of vegetables and ask, “Why aren’t you eating the cheesecake?” First of all, who invited this guy? Second, your response is simple: “Because I don’t want to feel like a zombie tomorrow, Steve.” Own your choices, even if it makes people uncomfortable. Spoiler alert: they’ll get over it.

And let’s not forget about the infamous “slip-up.” Maybe you skip a workout or eat an entire pizza while binge-watching a show you don’t even like. It happens. Instead of beating yourself up, ask, “What can I do differently tomorrow?” Remember, one bad meal won’t ruin your progress, just like one salad won’t turn you into a fitness model.

Own Your Problems—Don’t Blame Steve

At the core of all this is one simple truth: you are responsible for your life. Yes, things will happen that are out of your control. The office might surprise you with donuts, or your kid might spill orange juice on your last clean workout shirt. But how you respond? That’s all on you.

Taking ownership means you stop blaming external circumstances (or Steve) and start focusing on solutions. Missed a workout? Don’t throw in the towel. Adjust, adapt, and get back on track. Ate too much at Thanksgiving? Big deal. Make your next meal a healthy one and keep going. Progress isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, even when things go sideways.

Life Is Basically a Never-Ending Video Game

Think of your fitness journey like a video game. Every time you solve one problem, you unlock a new level. Sure, the obstacles get harder—more workouts, busier schedules, and maybe some jealous friends—but the rewards get better too. Instead of feeling tired and sluggish, you’ll feel stronger and more confident. Instead of dodging the mirror, you’ll catch yourself flexing in it. (No judgment—we all do it.)

The trick is to stop wishing for a life without problems. That’s not realistic, and honestly, it sounds pretty boring. Instead, aim for a life filled with better problems. It’s a sign that you’re leveling up.

Embrace the Mess

At the end of the day, life is messy. Progress isn’t a straight line—it’s a squiggly mess of wins, setbacks, and everything in between. But that’s what makes it interesting. Keep showing up, doing the work, and making small, intentional changes every day.

And when all else fails, remember this: the only bad workout is the one you didn’t do. Oh, and maybe don’t invite Steve to the next party.

Summary:

To your success,

Coach Joe

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women get leaner, stronger, and happier. If you want to lose weight from home, with the best online age-management personal trainer, or you want to visit the best longevity personal trainer near Bethlehem, PA, you can take a free 14-day trial.