Success OR Happiness or Can you have both?
- Active Living Active Living
- Jan 31
- 9 min read
Updated: Feb 10
Welcome back to another edition of my Coach Catchup and Blog here on Active Living 4 All Coaching! I’m excited to have you here for this week’s update! In today’s post, I’ll be covering:
Personal Development Insights
2025 HARD Challenge - January Recap
2025 HARD Challenge - February Focus
Training Update & Celebrations
Keep scrolling to dive into all the details!
It’s been a little while since we last connected—two weeks, to be exact. Life threw a few curveballs my way, and I’ve had to shift gears a bit. When it comes to juggling priorities, sometimes you’ve got to make tough calls. You figure out what’s going to pay the bills and what can be put on the back burner for a little while. And, unfortunately, that meant taking a short pause from sharing here with you all.
But just because I’ve been a little quiet doesn’t mean things have slowed down on my end. Quite the opposite, actually! I’ve been busy with coaching, training, and helping people become the best versions of themselves. It’s been full-on as usual, especially with the January HARD Challenge. If you joined in, I hope it was as motivating and energizing for you as it has been for me. But don’t worry, I’ll dive into more details about the challenge in just a bit, and of course, share what’s coming up for February too!
Now, before we get into all that exciting stuff, I want to take a moment to reflect on what’s been happening these past couple of weeks. Life has a funny way of reminding us that we’re only human, and even the best-laid plans can sometimes get a little thrown off. What’s important, though, is how we adjust and keep moving forward, even when we face setbacks.
So, stay tuned—there’s plenty of good stuff ahead!
PERSONDAL DEVELOPMENT While in a flurry of starting the year, sticking to the promises I made myself I decided to use at at least one of my training sessions a week for a podcast/audio book etc.
For the first one I tuned into a Mel Robbins podcast on The Secret to Success & Happiness No One Talks About. It was a solid 50 minutes well spent, offering a powerful reminder: sometimes, we need to get real with ourselves. We often create barriers that hold us back and make choices that keep us stuck in unhappiness.
At the core of it all, happiness is a choice—a mindset. And remember, you're allowed to remove the people or things that bring negativity into your life.
Follow the link to listen https://www.melrobbins.com/podcasts/episode-138
In this episode, you’ll also learn:
The single biggest barrier to being happier.
One important requirement for happiness.
An accurate definition for real happiness. (It’s not what you think!)
2 ways of thinking that will make it easier to feel calm and more resilient.
3 ways you’ve been actively fighting happiness in your life.
An innovative way to think about your mindset.
One thing you can start doing today that will reveal surprising insights.
What to do when your life feels like one big complaint.
I won't be sharing every podcast I listen to - BUT I will share those that I feel should be shared at the time to a wider audience. Currently I am 45mins into a 8 hour Audio book that I will share details of when I am done. Remember that apple and android both have podcast platforms, then there are Spotify - that has full FREE audio books available too, YOUTUBE just to name a few. Pick one and start jour own journey of growth.
2025 HARD CHALLENGE - JANUARY
For this January challenge, I set myself a pretty ambitious goal: a 21-day fast from sugary foods and treats. It sounded simple enough.
So, was I successful?
I’m happy to report: Yes, I was!
Now, I won’t claim perfection. I did break my fast for one meal during a friend’s birthday celebration. But it wasn’t an all-out binge! I opted for sensible snacking—mostly protein, and yes, I had two macaroons. Nothing extreme, just a small indulgence in the spirit of the occasion.
So, what happened during those 21 days? What were the outcomes for me? Let me break it down:
1. I Dropped a Pant Size in Inches
Yes, you read that right! By cutting out the sugar and treats, I saw a noticeable change in my body. I dropped a whole pant size in just three weeks. It wasn’t just about the weight loss, though—it was about how my body felt more balanced and energized.
2. Less Body Aches
I’ve struggled with body aches for a while, particularly in the mornings, and having and auto immune disorder I would really feel it. But without all the sugar, I felt significantly less discomfort. This was a huge win for me, especially when it came to my day-to-day energy levels.
3. NO Cravings After the First Few Days
The initial withdrawal from sugar was tough—I won’t lie. The first few days were filled with cravings, and I was a bit irritable (thankfully, my family survived). But once I got past the hump, the cravings completely disappeared. It felt liberating to not be constantly thinking about the next sugar fix.
4. Clearer Mind & More Focus
No more brain fog! I felt more alert, focused, and productive. Sugar had always left me feeling a little hazy after meals, but without it, I found myself thinking clearly and getting things done faster.
5. Stable Energy & No More Sugar Dips
One of the biggest benefits I noticed was a more stable energy level throughout the day. Normally, I would experience those frustrating energy dips after eating sugary snacks, but without sugar, I didn’t have those crashes. My blood sugar remained more stable, and it was such a relief not to feel that rollercoaster effect anymore.
6. Better Recovery After Training
Post-workout recovery was another big shift. Without the sugar, I noticed I recovered faster, felt less fatigued, and had less soreness the day after intense workouts. This was a game-changer, especially when I’m training hard.
What I Realized About My Body…
Through this challenge, I learned just how sensitive I am to sugar and carbs. The few times I did consume sugar (like those two macaroons), I noticed a noticeable reaction—almost like my body went into overdrive. It really made me more aware of how my body responds to food, especially sugar.
The First Week Was Tough
I’m not going to sugar coat it (pun intended)—the first week was HARD. I had headaches, a constant feeling of thirst, and some brain fog. My body was adjusting, and I could feel it. But once I got past those initial withdrawal symptoms, it felt like my body was finally catching up. The struggle was worth it.
The Plan for the Rest of the Year
Now that the challenge is over, I’m not planning on going back to my old sugary habits. My goal for the rest of the year is simple: 5-6 sugar-free days a week, with one treat day where I practice proper portion control.
This way, I can enjoy the occasional indulgence while maintaining the benefits I’ve experienced over the last 21 days. It’s all about balance, and this challenge has taught me that it’s possible to have a healthy relationship with sugar without overdoing it.
So, that’s a wrap on my January challenge! Have you ever tried something similar, or are you thinking of taking on a challenge like this yourself?
Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experiences!
2025 HARD CHALLENGE - FEBRUARY
When I kicked off my 2025 HARD Challenge, I decided not to follow a pre-set plan or theme for the year. Instead, I wanted to align each month with where I’m at in life and where I need to grow. So, this isn't about having a fixed agenda; it’s about taking a journey of growth, adapting as I go.
As we head into February, my focus is clear: learning new skills.
If you know me, you’re aware that I manage my own social media and website. And while I’ve picked up a lot over the years, I’ve realized there’s still so much I can learn and improve on. In the ever-evolving world of online content and digital presence, staying ahead of the curve is key. So, this month, I’m committing to deepening my knowledge in this area.
My Commitment for February
I’ve made a commitment to dedicate at least 60-70 minutes per week to learning more about the world of social media management, digital marketing, and website management. That’s just 10 minutes per day—and I know what you might be thinking: Why such a small amount of time?
The reason is simple: My schedule is already pretty packed. Between coaching, running my business, and personal responsibilities, I need to be realistic about what I can manage. This 10-minute daily commitment is what I know I can handle consistently without feeling overwhelmed. I’d rather under-promise and over-deliver to myself, rather than risk burnout or setting myself up for failure.
The goal is not to dive in too deep too quickly, but to steadily build on my knowledge and skills, one day at a time.
Why This Matters to Me
I’ve always believed that growth doesn’t have to be overwhelming or rushed. It’s about continuous improvement, even in small increments. By dedicating just a few minutes a day, I can make steady progress without sacrificing other important aspects of my life.
This challenge isn’t just about acquiring a new skill; it’s about showing myself that I can commit to something and stick with it, no matter how busy life gets. It’s about balance and growth, in ways that align with my current needs and goals.
What’s Your HARD for February?
Now, I want to know: What’s your HARD for February? It doesn’t have to be anything massive or life-changing, but it should be something that challenges you and pushes you outside your comfort zone.
Maybe it’s stepping up your fitness routine, or maybe it’s tackling a fear you’ve been avoiding. For some of you, it might be something as simple as reading 10 pages a day or getting outside for a walk every day. You don’t have to do it all at once. Just commit to taking that first step.
The key is setting the intention—once we set the intention, we can start moving forward. So, whatever your challenge is this month, let’s get February going with purpose and determination. Let’s make it count.
I’d love to hear what your plans are for February’s HARD challenge. Let me know in the comments, and let’s hold each other accountable as we all grow this month!
TRAINING UPDATE
I’ve been quietly working on something behind the scenes that you’ve all been part of—without even realizing it. Since I started this blog, I’ve had one big goal in mind: to develop a proper daily movement routine. And as many of you know, I’ve made some great progress so far. Even on the days when my body said no, I still found a way to move—whether it was a gentle stretch or a few moments of light activity. The goal was always to keep the momentum going.
And here’s where we revisit a concept that many people are aware of, but few actually commit to:
21 days to start a habit, 90 days to build a lifestyle, and 180 days to make it feel effortless.
This theory has stood the test of time, and I can honestly say that it’s been true for me.
On July 29th of last year, I set out on a personal challenge to do at least one movement activity every single day. Even if it was just a quick stretch or a light walk, the goal was always consistency. Fast forward to today, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ve officially celebrated 187 days of daily movement!
For me, this is a huge milestone—not just because I’ve stuck with it, but because I’ve also come back from a significant injury during this time. This has been the smoothest comeback I’ve ever had,. Those that know me there has been MANY. I can honestly say it’s thanks to the lessons I’ve learned along the way about injury recovery and self-care. It’s a journey with its ups and downs, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. (That’s a story for another day, though!)
So what happened since we spoke last.
I plan to continue to build on this daily movement habit, and it’s truly become a part of my lifestyle now. It’s not always about pushing myself to do intense workouts every day. Some days, it’s a simple stretch or a light yoga flow, but the key is consistency. It’s about showing up for myself, no matter how I’m feeling.
The real magic has been how this daily commitment has spilled over into other areas of my life. I’ve noticed improvements in my energy, focus, and mood. It’s not just about physical movement—it’s been a mental and emotional boost as well.
So, what’s next?
I’m continuing with this commitment, and I plan to keep pushing myself to stay consistent. The 21-day habit is long gone, the 90 days have passed, and now, I’m in that 180-day phase where it feels more like second nature. But the journey doesn’t stop here. I’m excited to keep growing and evolving, and I hope this inspires you to take your own small steps towards building habits that serve you.
If you’ve been following along with my progress or if you’re on your own journey, I’d love to hear from you. What movement habits have you incorporated into your daily routine? Let’s keep this conversation going and hold each other accountable as we continue to grow and thrive!
Thank you for joining me for another Coaches Update. I appreciate everyone of you! See you next time!
Comments