If I could sit down with my younger, more inexperienced self—the one who was eager but often impatient, who thought more was always better—I’d have a lot to say. I’ve learned a ton over the years, not just about barbells and burpees, but about discipline, mindset, and what it means to truly be fit for life.
Here are the top 5 things I’d tell my younger self:
1. Consistency Trumps Intensity
When I was younger, I thought crushing myself in every workout was the way to go. If I wasn’t lying on the floor gasping for air, I didn’t think it counted. The reality? Showing up consistently, even on days when I didn’t feel 100%, moved the needle far more than the “all out” days. Progress is built over months and years, not a single brutal workout. Although, I’ll admit I’m not sure my younger self would listen. When we’re young we have a tendency to think we know everything about everything.
2. Technique First, Always
I wish I could tell my younger self that chasing heavy numbers with sloppy form was a shortcut to nowhere—except maybe the physio’s office. Learning to move well is the most important, to squat, press, pull and brace with proper mechanics, it will pay dividends forever. It’s not sexy, but mastery of the basics is what keeps you healthy and strong long term. If you learn incorrectly or don’t pay attention it can take even longer to unlearn poor form and relearn the proper technique.
3. Recovery Isn’t Optional
Rest days aren’t a sign of weakness—they’re where the magic happens. I used to beat myself up if I took a day off. Now I know that sleep, nutrition, and managing stress are just as important as what happens inside the gym. You can’t out-train a body that’s under-recovered. I would also add that you can’t out work a terrible diet. You might get away with it short term in your 20’s but you’re building terrible nutrition habits that will burn you in the long run.
4. Play the Long Game
Fitness is for life. It’s not about 6 weeks, 90 days, or even one year. I’d tell my younger self to stop comparing to others and focus on building habits that are sustainable for decades. The healthiest perspective is to compare you to yourself. The real flex is still being fit, mobile, and pain-free at 60, not just hitting a PR in your 20s.
5. Enjoy the Process
I was so focused on goals—chasing numbers on the bar, on the scale, on the stopwatch—that I often missed out on enjoying the journey. The friendships you build, the small daily wins, the feeling of simply being capable and strong, those are what matter most. If I could go back, I’d tell myself: smile more, high-five people more, and appreciate how lucky you are to move your body. I’ve had the privilege of working with a gentlemen that has struggled with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It made me appreciate how lucky I feel to be able to step out of bed every day and do what I love.
Closing Thoughts
At CrossFit Actus, we’re all about building lifelong fitness. Whether you’re brand new or have been training for years, I hope some of these lessons resonate with you too. If you ever want to talk about your journey—or avoid some of the pitfalls I made early on—click here to come find me.
Because if there’s one more thing I’d tell my younger self, it’s this: you don’t have to figure it all out alone.