When people think about chasing health goals, they usually imagine the big milestones: hitting their goal weight, crossing a finish line, or finally fitting into that pair of jeans tucked in the back of the closet. Don’t get me wrong those moments feel incredible. Here’s the thing: those milestones are rare. Most of your journey is made up of the day-to-day grind: measuring your food, getting in your steps, saying “yes” to the gym when your brain is screaming “nope.”
And let’s be real, the grind isn’t always glamorous.
That’s why I live by something I call the Smiley Face Rule.
If you know me, you know I’ve got a soft spot for smiley faces. A while back, I spotted this vintage 70’s smiley face piggy bank at a thrift store. I wanted it so badly but walked away because it was overpriced. Months later, I found that exact same piggy bank at a different store this time at a fraction of the cost. It felt like it was meant for me.
That moment reminded me of something important: joy shows up when you least expect it, but only if you’re willing to keep showing up.
Your fitness journey works the same way. The little victories the “smiley faces” are tucked inside the grind. Hitting your protein goal for the first time, pushing through a tough workout, finally feeling your jeans fit a little looser, realizing you can do one more rep than last week… those are the moments that add up.
The Smiley Face Rule is simple:
🙂 If you look hard enough, even the grind has something to smile about.
So here’s my challenge for you this week: instead of waiting for the big milestone to pat yourself on the back, find your smiley face moments right now.
•Did you walk past the donuts at the office and stick to your plan? That’s a smiley face.
•Did you make it to the gym even though it was the last thing you wanted to do? Smiley face.
•Did you drink your water and hit your step goal? Smiley face.
The grind is where the growth happens, but joy is what keeps you coming back. And the more you notice it, the easier it is to keep showing up even on the hard days.
This week, look for those little moments. Collect them. Stack them. Because when you do, the big milestones won’t just feel amazing they’ll feel inevitable.
So let me ask you: what’s one “smiley face moment” you can look for in your journey this week?
