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Devan Futten

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May 5, 2025

The Two Things That Destroy Results

The Two Things That Destroy Results: Ego and Lack of Confidence

When it comes to fitness, two things consistently stand in the way of progress: ego and lack of confidence. They might seem like opposites—one loud and one quiet—but both lead down the same road: stalled results, frustration, and burnout.

Ego: The Silent Saboteur

Ego makes us chase numbers over form, skip the basics, and compare ourselves to others. It convinces us that rest days are for the weak, that scaling a workout means failure, and that asking for help is a sign of weakness. But here’s the truth: ego is the enemy of growth.

In fitness, ego often shows up in subtle ways:

  • Lifting more than you should at the expense of proper technique
  • Refusing to scale or modify movements when needed
  • Ignoring coaching cues because you “already know what you’re doing”

This mindset doesn’t build strength—it builds bad habits, injuries, and plateaus. Progress comes from mastering the fundamentals, not pretending you're beyond them.

Lack of Confidence: The Hidden Barrier

On the flip side, a lack of confidence holds people back before they even start. It whispers lies: “You’re too out of shape.” “You’ll look stupid.” “You’ll never be able to do this.”

Confidence isn’t about already being fit—it’s about believing you deserve to get there. When you let self-doubt run the show, you:

  • Avoid trying new movements or joining classes
  • Second-guess every step you take
  • Talk yourself out of consistent effort

Everyone starts somewhere. The people you see crushing workouts today were once beginners, too. Confidence grows through action, not waiting until you “feel ready.”

The Solution: Humility and Belief

Getting results requires two things:

  1. Humility to learn, listen, and start where you are.
  2. Belief that you are capable of more than you think.

Let go of ego. Be coachable. Focus on movement quality. Embrace scaling as a tool, not a punishment.

Then, build your confidence one small win at a time. Show up. Move your body. Celebrate progress. The combination of humility and self-belief is unstoppable.

If you’ve been stuck or frustrated, take an honest look—are ego or lack of confidence holding you back? It’s time to drop the baggage and get back to what works.

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