Are We Addicted To Self-Improvement? The Trap Of Never Enough

As a fitness trainer, I see hundreds—if not thousands—of people working on themselves every year. I’m one of those people too. I’m always trying to get better—physically, mentally, personally, and professionally. Whether it’s in the realm of relationships or finances, I’m constantly looking for the next step, the next edge, the next way to get ahead.

One day, while training an athlete, I zoomed in on his performance, trying to understand what really drove him. And it hit me: if we’re not careful, the same drive that motivates us to improve can also be the very thing that holds us back—or even pushes us backwards.

Let me explain.

Most people join a gym or hire a trainer because they feel behind. I need to get leaner, faster, stronger, better. These are the most common words I hear. It’s that nagging sense of not being enough that pushes people to finally make the call and book that first session. And the truth is, that feeling of “not enough” has been around for a long time. Many of us carry it for most of our lives.

So, what happens when you start from a place of feeling behind? You rush.

Period.

And rushing, by definition, means going faster than you should. In fitness, that means you push too hard, too soon. You burn out quicker, quit earlier, and end up reinforcing the very belief that you’re not fast enough, strong enough, or good enough. Then you repeat the cycle. Over and over again. Now apply that principle in any area—personal, professional, wellness, and self-improvement.

That’s the definition of insanity.

Here’s the truth: we all have something of value, and everyone is in some kind of shape. Most people, however, run out of breath or stop short simply because they give too much, too soon. Running out of breath should never be an accident. It should be intentional—planned, expected, and with a purpose.

That’s why when I train an athlete, I never tell them to try to be faster, stronger, or better in their first session. Instead, I tell them: just be yourself.

Because the moment you try to be stronger, faster, or better than you are right now, you’re actually trying to be someone else. Even if that “someone else” is just a future version of you—it’s still not you. Not yet.

So, be yourself for an hour. See where you are. See what you need. That’s when things start to get real. Since every day is different, first you need to see who shows up at your training session, then you need to see what that person needs. “Mike” with 8 hours of sleep and 4 meals is a different Mike than the one with 4 hours of sleep and 2 meals. And oftentimes, you don’t know which Mike shows up until we start moving and training.

But of course, that raises the question: What does “be yourself” even mean?

It means owning your choices—and the outcomes of those choices. Exercise is really just a long string of small and big decisions. And the results? They should reflect choices you knew you were making, not surprises you stumble into. If you suddenly run out of breath, or feel like you’re falling apart, that’s a sign you weren’t making intentional choices. But then, who made those choices? The one who feels behind and not good enough.

Real self-improvement isn’t about never being satisfied. It’s about balance. It’s about fully accepting who you are in this moment while also working toward who you want to become. Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up on growth—it’s the foundation of growth.

Because when you acknowledge your current strengths and qualities, you finally have solid ground to build on. And that’s when real progress begins. You give from what you have, not from what you need. You grow from abundance, not from lack.

Therefore, you need to have moments—if not minutes and even hours—when you are enough. You need to have days when you are in the right place at the right time. And the best part is, you can plan these days. You decide the days when you enjoy the fruits of your labor, and the days when you go for more.

Self-improvement should feel empowering, not exhausting. You don’t need to chase someone else’s version of “better.” You just need to start where you are, move with intention, and give yourself permission to grow at the right pace. Self-improvement should include feeling enough as part of your daily practice. Give yourself permission to just be, and know that giving your best is good enough—even if you think it should have been better, or it’s not yet where you want to be. Self-improvement shouldn’t be an addiction—it should be a mission of self-discovery. That’s not weakness—that’s wisdom.

At Results Fitness Center in Studio City, that’s exactly how we approach training. We don’t just push you harder—we help you move smarter, stay consistent, and actually enjoy the process. So, if you’re ready to stop rushing and start improving the right way, come train with us.

Call or visit Results today, and let’s work on the best version of YOU—one that’s strong, confident, and sustainable.

Call us today and book your complimentary training session.

4367 Woodman Ave, Sherman Oaks (Moorpark & Woodman)

12735 Ventura Blvd, Studio City (Ventura Blvd. & Coldwater Canyon)

www.ResultsStudio.com

818-505-3027