Snooze Button to Beast Mode

It’s been 284 days since I made the intentional decision to make my health and fitness a priority. Back then, I weighed 283 pounds. Today, 284 days later, I weigh 199.

I set a goal to drop below 200 pounds — a goal that once felt completely impossible. But I kept pushing forward anyway. And now, what once seemed out of reach is officially a reality. Mission accomplished.

As I reflect on this journey, I can’t help but think about one excuse that used to hold me back: “I just don’t have time.”

I used to believe wholeheartedly — that between work, life, and everything in between, I didn’t have the time to focus on my health. But looking back now, I realize that excuse wasn’t the truth — it was a barrier I placed in front of myself. The time was always there. I just had to choose to use it differently.

Health isn’t a time suck; it is a time multiplier. For years, I told myself the same story over and over: “I don’t have time to work out.” Or “Eating healthy just takes too much effort.” That excuse became my go-to justification for skipping the gym, grabbing takeout, and putting my health on the back burner. But here’s the truth: the excuse of “not having enough time” is a lie we tell ourselves to stay comfortable.

Being “too busy” is just a misalignment of priorities.

I used to think taking care of my health would take time away from my family or my responsibilities. But now that I’ve made fitness and nutrition a priority, I’ve discovered something powerful: I actually have more time—not less.

Among all the changes, one that really surprised me— I sleep better. That alone has been life-changing. I’m no longer dragging myself out of bed in the morning or smashing the snooze button five times. I wake up rested, energized, and ready to go. I don’t lose time to fatigue or brain fog. I’m more productive, more focused, and more present—especially with my family.

Prioritizing my health didn’t pull me away from my family; it brought me closer. I’m more involved in family activities because I actually have the energy now. I can run around with my kids, go on hikes, or play ball in the yard without feeling exhausted. I’m not sidelined on the couch while life happens around me. I’m in it. I’m present.

There’s a powerful balance that comes with taking care of yourself and showing up for your family. When you carve out time to work out or prep a healthy meal, it’s not selfish—it’s strategic. It’s an investment in a longer, higher-quality life. It’s how you show up as your best self, not just for you, but for everyone who depends on you.

Being healthy has increased the value of my time. I don’t just have more hours in the day—I make more of those hours count. And if I’m lucky, I’ve added more healthy years to my life as well.

So the next time you hear yourself say, “I don’t have time,” pause. What you really might be saying is, “It’s not a priority.” And that’s something you have the power to change. I did—and I’ve never looked back.

You have the power to take your life back. Don’t let excuses define your limits. Show up, push through the hard stuff, and grow beyond what feels comfortable.

This journey is lifelong. I’ll keep setting “impossible” goals and then push toward them.