Proud of the Journey, Not Just the Goal

We are our own worst critics.

I know I am. I’ve always been hard on myself—quick to notice my flaws, slow to give myself credit. Maybe it’s a bad habit I’ve carried for too long, or maybe we all have that little judgmental voice in our heads that loves to chime in when we start to feel proud of ourselves.

Writing this blog has made that voice louder. It whispers that I’m being boastful or prideful whenever I write about progress or accomplishments. But I’ve learned that talking about success isn’t bragging—it’s acknowledging growth. And as they say, success breeds success. If we want to be successful in Thin’s In—or in any area of our lives—we have to reflect on our wins, big and small.

Still, that voice of self-judgment makes it hard. I don’t often think about success because I’m focused on taking life one day at a time. It’s usually when others remind me of the things I’ve achieved that I pause and realize how far I’ve come.

I have a college degree. I’m a homeowner and a proud pet owner. I have a reliable car, a job I genuinely enjoy, and friends and family who love me. I’ve even sold a few pieces of my artwork. These are all accomplishments—real, tangible evidence of success.

But that self-critical voice doesn’t just follow me while writing this blog—it sneaks into my everyday life. When I host speed dating events, I often avoid icebreakers about accomplishments or personal goals. Even when I’m not the one answering, my insecurities make me worry that others might feel uncomfortable or start comparing themselves the way I sometimes do.

Funny enough, though, that voice goes quiet when I talk about Thin’s In and the Program. I think that’s because this success feels different. It’s deeply personal and can’t be measured against anyone else’s. It’s mine.

So what does success look like on Program? Is it reaching goal weight? Maintaining it? Or is it something more?

Thin’s In is more than a diet—it’s a lifestyle. A long-term change in how we approach food, habits, and self-care. Success isn’t only found at the finish line; it’s built along the way.

Every pound lost, every day we stay on track, every meal we plan and follow through on—those are all moments of success. Each small victory builds momentum for the next. Because, again, success breeds success.

This week, my success was losing three more pounds. It’s a milestone that stands proudly on its own—not because it gets me closer to my ultimate goal, but because it proves I’m still showing up, doing the work, and moving forward.

And that, to me, is the truest kind of success.

This week’s loss: 3 pounds

Total loss so far: 47 pounds