# A New Perspective on Growth: Erik's Journey to Confidence
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Chapter 1: A Unique Shopping Experience
Erik had never encountered a shopping expedition quite like this one.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
Stepping out of the fitting room, Erik felt a wave of embarrassment as he realized the shirt he had chosen didn’t fit correctly. He had confidently selected the shirt, adding it to the pile of items he intended to try on. For the past year, he had focused on improving his health and fitness—completing four workouts weekly and diligently tracking his nutrition five days a week. With a vacation on the horizon, he decided it was time for some new clothes.
The sales associate offered a polite suggestion that perhaps the fit issues were due to the brand or style. However, when Erik pulled out a second shirt that was also ill-fitting, he admitted that it had been a while since he last shopped and he was uncertain about his current size. To his surprise, this shirt was too large!
This shopping trip was unlike any he had experienced before.
I asked Erik a few questions to delve deeper into his experience. Here’s his account: What was going through your mind when you discovered that you had actually dropped a size? What does that mean to you?
Ultimately, it turned out to be a humorous incident. Erik recalled, “I thought this would be a quick trip—just grab a couple of shirts, check the fit and material, and be done. The first shirt felt just a bit too big, so I moved on to the next. By the second shirt, I was chuckling, wondering how it was possible that other brands also had larger fits. By the fourth shirt, the realization dawned on me—it wasn’t the brands; it was me. The larges were simply too big. I gathered my items and left the fitting room. When the attendant asked if I would be taking any of them, I admitted, ‘No, I need to find a different size.’ I felt a bit sheepish handing him back a bunch of shirts to return to the rack.”
Returning to the fitting room, this time with a size down, he was greeted by the attendant, who lightened the mood by saying, “Oh cool, same style but different fits. Good to know!” Erik explained that he wasn’t the best gauge for sizing since he was unsure what size he should be wearing. The attendant inquired if Erik preferred his shirts oversized, to which Erik responded, “No, I’ve lost some weight over the past year and don’t shop for clothes very often.” The attendant congratulated him, even expressing astonishment at his weight loss—“WOW! That’s impressive! Congrats!”
With a newfound sense of pride, Erik entered the fitting room again, this time trying on mediums. He was both astonished and thrilled; never before in his adult life had he comfortably fit into a medium!
Erik reflected on his longstanding relationship with clothing, which had been far from healthy. While he recognized it wasn’t perfect now, he noted remarkable progress. Previously, he struggled with how clothes fit and often found himself tugging at them, hoping to conceal rolls he wished to hide. Shopping trips had been filled with dread, often leading him to claim that his clothes had “shrunk in the wash” just to feel better about himself.
Now, in the fitting room, he found humor in the fact that this was the same guy who once needed a larger size but was now facing the situation for a much better reason. Although not every fit was perfect, the realization that a medium shirt actually fit him was astonishing.
Section 1.1: The Impact of His Journey
What has been the most significant aspect of your journey so far?
For Erik, the most meaningful transformation has been the boost in confidence he experiences daily. He had gone through cycles of weight gain and loss, but none felt sustainable. Understanding that his fitness plan was effective and enjoyable has been crucial in redefining the boundaries of his happiness. Now, he feels empowered to wear bold patterns, express himself in meetings, and enjoy playful moments with his nieces—simply living life to the fullest.
Subsection 1.1.1: Overcoming Challenges
When you first began this program, how would you describe your feelings about yourself?
Erik shared, “Initially, I was in a tough place, feeling very unhappy with my life’s direction and struggling to regain my fitness. Most of my previous activities were group-oriented—running, cycling, triathlons, etc. After an injury and some personal setbacks, I found myself alone and needing to regain my confidence. I was apprehensive about joining a ‘virtual’ program, but the support and connection I found with my coach and peers quickly eased my concerns. It became clear that we were all united by a desire to improve ourselves, which motivated me to continue pushing forward for my own sake, rather than out of fear of disappointing others.”
Erik’s life today is a far cry from where it was two years ago, yet he emphasizes that the changes haven’t been drastic.
Chapter 2: The Power of Consistency
The magic lies in a principle I teach called consistency.