#377; Andrew Coates - Becoming Unstoppable: How to Break Free from Self-Sabotage and Rewrite Your Identity

(How to Become the Person Who Never Gives Up)

In this ep, we explore the parallels between fitness and personal growth, the power of consistency, and how to embrace plateaus as part of the process. Andrew shares insights into overcoming self-sabotage, the compound effect of small habits, and shifting from aesthetics-focused goals to performance-driven empowerment.

This conversation delves into mindset shifts, identity evolution, and the importance of aligning actions with long-term values. Tune in for a no-nonsense, relatable discussion packed with actionable advice to help you find joy in the journey and redefine what progress means for you.

1/ Plateaus

Growth isn’t linear; plateaus are inevitable and require mental resilience to push through. When progress slows, revisit your goals and adjust expectations. Are you letting plateaus demotivate you, or are you seeing them as a chance to refine your methods?

2/unrealistic expectations of rapid progress often lead to self-sabotage. Accepting slower progress reduces frustration. Reframe your mindset by focusing on long-term consistency rather than short-term perfection. What would you achieve if you embraced the process instead of fixating on speed?

3/Small, consistent actions lead to significant changes over time

as described in The Compound Effect and The Slight Edge. Reflect on daily habits. Are they aligned with your long-term goals, or are they compounding toward stagnation?

Coaching Helps Break Cycles. Coaches provide guidance to disrupt negative feedback loops, like self-sabotage or over-restriction, leading to sustainable habits.

: If you’re stuck, consider whether external guidance could help shift your perspective and actions.

/Goals and values evolve with life stages. Holding onto outdated goals can create unnecessary frustration. Periodically reassess your goals. Are they still relevant, or are they rooted in past desires that no longer serve you?

Progress Requires Patience and Consistency

Success in fitness and social media often mirrors each other: it starts slow, feels repetitive, and seems stagnant, but consistency leads to exponential growth.

Many people give up too soon because they don’t see immediate results. Reflect on what small actions you can take today that could snowball into bigger achievements later.

Learning Skills Leads to Faster Progress

Just like mastering the basics of lifting (e.g., squats and deadlifts), mastering foundational skills in any endeavor allows for accelerated growth later. Are you building a strong foundation in your efforts?

/By focusing on strength & health rather than just fat loss, people often achieve their goals as a byproduct. Are you prioritizing the wrong goal? What would happen if you shifted your focus to performance or well-being?

/Social media highlights extremes, making people compare themselves to the "best of the best" rather than the average journey. Diversify your social media feed to include relatable journeys and focus on your progress. Are your comparisons inspiring or discouraging?

/Identity is fluid and shaped by beliefs, language, actions. Fixed mindsets limit potential, while open ones allow growth. What language are you using about yourself? Are your beliefs helping or hindering your progress?

/Emotional eating often stems from deeper issues like body image, which need addressing for long-term success. How do your habits reflect your emotions? What could you take to address the root?

Saying “I’m not the type of person who…” creates mental barriers to growth.

What might you achieve if you embraced flexibility in your identity?

Obsessing over specific outcomes can lead to burnout. Enjoying the process creates sustainable progress. Strength training empowers people by shifting the focus from aesthetics to performance and capability. Keeping an open mind and flexible approach prepares you for changes in priorities or circumstances.

@Andrewcoatesfitness @transformxruby