Resilient AF (and Focused). Mindset Upgraded.

Labor Day weekend was the perfect wrap-up to a summer full of growth, grit, and intentional change. I took a road trip to Canada with two of my daughters: fishing, swimming, sunshine, family time. I didn’t track food. I didn’t weigh myself. I simply enjoyed it. And that in itself was progress.

But now? We’re back. The routines are falling into place. And I’m leaning hard into the goals I set in my last post:

📚 Personal growth books
🎧 Motivational podcasts & audio
🚫 Alcohol-free through the end of the year
📆 Structure & rhythm—because I thrive in it

I’m 31 days into my 90 day no-TV challenge (with the exception of a cozy movie night here and there with my kids), and the impact has been huge. My mornings are more focused. My mind is clearer. I’m listening to Think and Grow Rich on audiobook, and I’ve got daily playlists on the PepTalk app filled with short, energizing clips that fire me up.

The Shift: from “Have to” –> “Get to”

Who even am I? Meal tracking, prepping, hitting macros… not because I “have to,” but because it feels like me now. It’s no longer a Sunday struggle – it’s a Sunday ritual (with good tunes and even better vibes). Eight months of consistency has transformed those things into second nature.

I carve out time for them like I brush my teeth – automatically and without resistance.

The biggest shift? I’ve gone from dragging myself out of bed to looking forward to the day.

💬 A recent question of the Day at CrossFit: “What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up?”

Not long ago, it was “ugh… snooze.”
Now it’s: “Let’s do this!”

I get up at 5:30am and immediately make my bed. It might sound small, but it sets the tone. It’s my first win of the day before I’ve even left my bedroom. And if you don’t already do this… I promise… it’s a game changer.

Andi Workout: Progress in motion

Let’s talk strength.

Back in April, I did the Andi workout:

60 Hang Power Snatches
60 Push Presses
20 Deadlifts
60 Front Squats

–all using the training bar only (15lbs – no added weight).

Fast forward to August 22, and I crushed:

100 Power Snatches
100 Push Presses
100 Front Squats

No deadlifts this time (my hips were acting up), but wow – the volume alone shows how far I’ve come. Same bar, different mindset, stronger body.

That’s the power of showing up.

Fueling Forward: A New Layer of Intentionality

As this journey continues, I’ve been tuning in more to how my body responds to food. And just when I thought I had a handle on all my staple go-to meals, I started noticing that dairy and whey might be causing issues.

Both are HUGE parts of my weekly intake, so this has been a frustrating discovery. But it’s also an opportunity. I’m reworking my lineup, testing out new foods like tofu, and doubling down on more fruits, veggies, and whole-food protein.

What used to feel like a huge chore – meal tracking, food prep, macro targets – is just a thing I do now. No fuss. No resistance. It’s part of the rhythm.

Because again… 8 months of consistent habits will do that.

I even made a quick IG Reel to show what food prep looks like for me now – yes, including how I weigh everything out. Check it out below (and maybe hit follow while you’re there 😉).

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A post shared by Rachel (@journeywithfocus)

Structure = Power

I’ve been intentionally creating more structure in my days – and the benefits are wild.

A consistent wake-up and bedtime
To-do lists that I actually use and update daily
Decluttering my house so I can feel calm and productive in my space

I’m learning that it’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing the right things consistently.

I used to fixate on the big picture – feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. Now? I break things down day by day, week by week. Tiny actions. Repeated.

Because motivation means nothing without discipline.
And when motivation fades? Discipline carries you.

Resilient AF (and Focused)

I’m realizing now that I’ve become someone I would’ve admired 8 months ago.

And I don’t say that in a “look at me” way – I say it because this didn’t happen overnight. It happened one small, seemingly insignificant decision at a time. And if I can do this while balancing work, kids, stress, and everything life throws my way…

You can too.

You don’t need to change everything. You just need to start somewhere.

Let’s Wrap This With a Challenge:

What’s one tiny habit that’s changed everything for you?
Drop it in the comments, DM me, or tag me in your next post. Let’s inspire each other to keep showing up. 💪

Here’s to Fall. Here’s to focus.
Here’s to becoming your strongest self – one day at a time.