Alright, folks, gather around for a tale of ambition, setbacks, and the eternal optimism of starting over—or, as I like to call it, the “Groundhog Day” of self-improvement. It’s a story where coffee, the gym, and books aren’t just props, but characters in their own right, each with a role to play in my comedy of errors.

The Coffee Saga: A Love-Hate Relationship

Once upon a time, I decided to break up with black coffee. Yes, that magical bean juice that turns “Keep out of my way” mornings into “Good morning, world!” After months of a caffeine-free existence, I walked past a café, and the aroma hit me like a nostalgic slap. One sip, and bam, I was back to day one. It felt like catching up with an ex and remembering why you broke up in the first place, but still texting them the next day.

Gym-timidation: My Rocky Montage

Then there’s the gym. Ah, the gym. Before the world decided to take an extended break because of you know lah ya, I was very active women. Cut to the pandemic, and my most strenuous activity was reaching for the remote. Returning to the gym felt like walking into high school after long vacation and not recognizing anyone. My muscles played a fun game called, “Guess who doesn’t work here anymore?” But, like any underdog movie, I’m slowly making my comeback, minus the inspirational music.

The Great Digital Detox: A Tale of Too Many Screens

And let’s talk about reading. Remember books? Those things we used to open before we replaced them with endless scrolling through the digital abyss? I decided it was time to go retro and actually read them again. It’s like deciding to write letters instead of texts. Charming, but with a steep re-learning curve. Each page turned is a victory against the tyranny of the ‘like’ button.

Finding Humor in the Restart

So, how do I keep my spirits up with all these restarts? Simple. I laugh. I laugh at myself for thinking quitting coffee would be easy, for imagining a triumphant gym return, and for underestimating the siren call of the internet. Humor is my coping mechanism, my way of saying, “Well, that didn’t go as planned,” with a smile.

Staying Motivated, or At Least Trying To

As for staying motivated, my method is foolproof: I pretend I’m the protagonist in a sitcom. Every setback is a plot twist, and every small victory is an episode climax. I celebrate the minor wins, like not mistaking my body lotion for my coffee (it happened once, don’t ask), and I set realistic goals, like maybe lifting weights that don’t have cobwebs.

Finally, I set the scene for success by creating the right environment. My workout clothes are laid out the night before, creating a visual cue that it’s time to get moving. My book is on my pillow, not my phone, encouraging me to end the day with a chapter instead of screen time. And my coffee maker? Well, it’s set to brew a decaf blend, because let’s be honest, old habits die hard, but at least I’m trying.

Adding these elements not only keeps me motivated but also turns the journey into an adventure I’m eager to continue. So, if you’re struggling to stay on track, maybe it’s time to turn your life into a sitcom, too. After all, who doesn’t love a good comeback story with a side of laughter?

To Wrap It Up

In the end, my journey of self-improvement is less about perfection and more about persistence, and a healthy dose of self-deprecation. So, if you find yourself back at square one, remember: it’s not just a restart, it’s material for your stand-up routine at the next family gathering.

There you have it—my not-so-tragic comedy. Remember, the only way to fail is to stop trying, or in my case, to run out of coffee. Hahaha

~ Reen