Letting Go of All-or-Nothing Part 1

 I struggle with the “New Year, New Me” pressure every single year.

Yes—even as a personal trainer.

January has a way of convincing people that they need to wake up as a completely different person overnight. New habits, new body, new mindset, zero mistakes allowed. And because I work in the fitness industry, there’s often an unspoken assumption that I’m somehow immune to that pressure—that I’ve figured it all out.

The truth is, most people have a very polished image of what trainers are supposed to look like. Always disciplined. Always motivated. Always eating well, sleeping well, training consistently. Perfect, basically.

But we’re human first.

My truth looks a lot less Instagram-ready.

There have been long stretches where I’ve been inactive because life hit hard—and yes, sometimes because I was just plain lazy. I’ve needed support to get back into a rhythm, whether that came from a coach, a therapist, or the people closest to me. I’ve felt the pressure to “do it all,” to show up perfectly, to hide my own struggles—despite spending my days encouraging clients to do the opposite.

I’ve struggled with my relationship with food, especially during emotionally heavy or high-stress periods, when convenience quietly takes over. I’ve fallen into negative mindsets and had a hard time climbing out of them. And for those who know me as the happy, bubbly Avv, that part might come as a surprise.

But it shouldn’t.

Studies consistently show that behavior change—especially around health—is nonlinear. Progress isn’t a straight line; it’s a series of starts, stops, and restarts. Yet every January, we pretend otherwise. We convince ourselves that slipping means failing, and failing means quitting.

I’m sharing this because I want you to know you’re not broken if you’re feeling overwhelmed right now.

If this time of year makes you feel behind, or tired, or like you should be “doing more,” you’re not alone. If you’ve fallen into the all-or-nothing trap—where one missed workout or imperfect meal feels like the end—you’re not weak. You’re human.

My hope is that this honesty gives you permission to be honest with yourself. To loosen the pressure. To start where you actually are, not where you think you should be.

And if this resonates, maybe share it with someone who’s quietly struggling too. Sometimes the most powerful step forward isn’t a fresh start—it’s realizing you don’t have to pretend anymore.