Do you ever feel pressured to have strong opinions about the latest trending topics, whether in politics or lifestyle choices like diet and fitness? In this episode, I'm offering my unique perspective on societal pressures to express outrage and polarizing viewpoints, drawing parallels between politics and fat loss. I'll emphasize the importance of personal agency and balanced opinions and challenge you to reflect on your own views rather than succumbing to external influences.
This episode is for you if you want to cultivate a more balanced and realistic approach to the hot-button issues in your life, whether they involve political decisions or personal fitness goals.
In this episode, we cover:
- The societal pressures to have and express opinions
- How personal analysis can help navigate polarizing issues
- Understanding the similarities between political and fitness goals
- The necessity of personal responsibility and control
- Moderation and self-control as keys to personal growth
- Effective communication and habit change
I hope the takeaway you walk away with is the emphasis on using personal agency to navigate societal pressures and the importance of seeking balance over extremes. While external circumstances can make things challenging, actual change and growth come from within through consistent effort, clear goals, and self-advocacy.
Why do we always focus on things outside our control instead of objectively examining ourselves and taking agency and ownership of variables we can control?
Ready to take a balanced and realistic approach to life's complex issues? Listen to this episode, and then come share your thoughts and stories with me on the Grams!
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The podcast transcript for this episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast follows
Hello, hello there, fam! Welcome to another episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast!
Full disclosure: if this podcast sounds a bit different, it’s because I’m recording from my hotel room in New York City. I was planning to record this episode when I got back home, but so many cool things happened during my stay here that I felt inspired to share them now.
Solo Trips and Reflection Time
I came to New York by myself, which I really enjoy doing from time to time. These solo trips give me the space to reflect and process life without the constant demands of being a mom, wife, and businesswoman.
What Politics and Fat Loss Have in Common
Before you freak out—don’t freak out! This isn’t going to be a political discussion with any party affiliations. You’re not going to hear me talk about my political leanings.
Instead, we’re exploring what politics and fat loss have in common. A few experiences during this trip and an interview I listened to inspired me to draw some surprising parallels between these two seemingly unrelated topics.
The Lesson in Advocacy: My Hotel Experience
When I arrived at my hotel, I quickly realized it wasn’t the place for me. It was loud, smelled of mold, and the next morning I woke up to construction so intense it shook my bed.
I could’ve just accepted it, spent the rest of my trip miserable, and blamed the hotel. But instead, I advocated for myself. I spoke to the front desk, explained the situation, and was refunded. I switched hotels and had an amazing rest of my trip.
The takeaway? You can’t control everything, but you can control how you respond to it.
The Parallels Between Politics and Fat Loss
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It’s Easier to Blame External Forces
I was listening to an interview with Arthur Brooks, the happiness professor at Harvard. He said something that resonated: “The activism complex doesn’t want you to feel agency.”
This applies to both politics and fat loss. It’s easier to blame external forces—whether it’s a president, the economy, or your hormones—than to take ownership of the variables you can control.
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Agency is Key
Just like I took action to change my hotel situation, you have to take action to change your circumstances. You can’t control everything, but you can control your habits, behaviors, and attitude.
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Work With What You Have
I didn’t have control over being seen by iHeartRadio’s Zen, who invited me to New York. But what I did control was consistently showing up on social media, creating valuable content, and staying true to myself. Similarly, in fat loss, the results may not come quickly, but if you consistently show up and put in the work, progress will happen.
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Extreme Views Hold Us Back
In politics, we see extreme all-or-nothing thinking. In fat loss, it’s similar: people either cut out carbs entirely or eat cake for every meal. Success lies somewhere in the middle.
The Importance of Clarity and Boundaries
A big part of both politics and fat loss is gaining clarity about your goals. What does success look like for you? Without clarity, it’s easy to get swept up in other people’s priorities.
As I often tell my Powerhouse Academy members, every “yes” you say is a “no” to something else. If you don’t define your non-negotiables—like committing to three 30-minute workouts a week—you’ll keep saying yes to everything else and lose sight of your own goals.
Why You Don’t Need to Have an Opinion About Everything
Society pressures us to have strong opinions about everything, from politics to the latest diet trend. But you don’t need to be outraged about every new fad. Instead, focus on what works for your unique circumstances and goals.
When people ask me about trends like Ozempic, I only speak on what I know and have researched. Similarly, I focus my energy on helping people stop making excuses and take ownership of their fitness journeys.
Success Lies in the Middle Ground
Much like in politics, the truth in fat loss is rarely black and white. It’s not about cutting out all carbs or eating only clean foods. It’s about finding a sustainable middle ground that works for you.
Here’s an example: I love my nightly Blue Bunny ice cream cone. One night, I ate way more ice cream than usual because I didn’t have my usual portioned cone. The next day, I felt terrible. Does that mean all dairy is bad for me? No—it just means I overdid it.
We need to stop demonizing entire food groups or practices and instead focus on moderation and balance.
Key Takeaways: Politics and Fat Loss Parallels
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It’s Easier to Blame External Forces
Stop focusing on what you can’t control (politicians, the economy, or your busy schedule) and start focusing on what you can.
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How Are You Changing Your Habits?
Results don’t come from excuses. Take responsibility for your actions and adjust your habits to align with your goals.
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How Are You Working on Yourself?
Whether it’s improving communication in your relationships or setting aside time for fitness, focus on self-improvement instead of blaming external factors.
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Avoid the All-or-Nothing Mentality
Success doesn’t require extremes. Look for sustainable habits that fit your lifestyle and help you achieve your goals over time.
Final Thoughts: Clarity, Ownership, and Moderation
Whether it’s politics or fat loss, success comes from clarity, ownership, and a willingness to embrace the middle ground. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about consistently showing up and doing the best you can with what you have.
Thank you for tuning in! I know this episode might sound different since I recorded it in New York, but I hope you found the message valuable. If you did, please share it, leave a review, and tag me on Instagram to let me know your thoughts.
I’ll see you next week. Bye-bye!
