From 320 Pounds to Coaching Others: What Changed My Life
A few years ago, I weighed over 320 pounds. On the surface, I seemed like a driven professional who had figured out how to succeed in tech and consulting. But privately, my weight was controlling far more of my life than I wanted to admit.
It wasn’t just about looks. It was about functioning in daily life. I avoided booths at restaurants because I couldn’t fit into them, too embarrassed to say anything. I would shift uncomfortably in chairs, afraid one might break under me. And every night, I would lie down to sleep, but instead of resting, I struggled to breathe. That wasn’t just uncomfortable — it was terrifying. The fear that my body might give out in the middle of the night was a wake-up call I couldn’t ignore.
That’s when everything changed for me.
The Turning Point
Like many people, I thought getting healthy meant endless sacrifice. I imagined giving up the foods I loved, forcing myself through miserable workouts, and living in a constant state of restriction. No wonder I avoided making changes for so long.
But the truth was far different. Once I got started, I realized that transformation wasn’t about sacrifice — it was about habits. It was about trading short-term impulses for long-term freedom.
Yes, it took effort. And yes, it was uncomfortable at times. But it wasn’t nearly as impossible as I had built it up to be in my head. In fact, I came to see that the hardest part wasn’t the workouts or the food tracking. The hardest part was just deciding to start and believing that I could actually succeed.
Building Habits That Stick
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that sustainable change comes from habits, not willpower.
Instead of focusing on what I had to give up, I focused on what I could add. More protein. More water. More walks.
Instead of chasing perfection, I aimed for consistency. If I slipped up one day, I didn’t “restart Monday.” I just kept going the next meal.
Instead of punishing myself with extreme diets, I found ways to make healthier foods enjoyable so I didn’t feel deprived.
Over time, these small decisions built momentum. I didn’t just lose weight. I created a lifestyle that actually made me feel alive. My energy improved. My sleep changed dramatically — I could breathe again, deeply and peacefully. That alone felt like a second chance at life.
The Ripple Effect
Losing over 100 pounds wasn’t just a physical transformation. It reshaped my entire outlook on life and work.
When you realize you can change something you once thought was impossible, it changes how you approach every challenge. Suddenly, obstacles at work don’t feel as overwhelming. Leadership opportunities feel more attainable. Helping others feels like a calling, not a chore.
That’s why I started coaching and consulting with a different perspective. Whether I’m guiding a client through a CRM migration or helping someone establish their first training routine, the philosophy is the same: lasting change comes from building the right systems and habits, not from short bursts of effort.
Easier Than You Think (But Not Easy)
I want to be clear: losing 100+ pounds wasn’t “easy.” It took time, patience, and work. But it was easier than I thought it would be, because I had built it up in my head as something impossible.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
You don’t have to give up everything you enjoy. You just have to learn balance.
You don’t have to exercise for hours a day. You just need to move consistently.
You don’t need superhuman willpower. You need a system of habits that support your goals.
That shift in mindset is what makes transformation possible — and sustainable.
Why I Share This
People sometimes ask me why I tell this story. The reason is simple: I know what it’s like to feel stuck, embarrassed, and hopeless about change. And I also know what it’s like to come out the other side.
If you’re reading this and struggling with your weight, your health, or even just your confidence, I want you to know: it’s not about sacrifice. It’s not about giving up everything that makes life enjoyable. It’s about learning how to build habits that support a better version of yourself.
That’s what worked for me. That’s what I now help others discover. And that’s why I share this — not because I think my story is special, but because I believe yours can be too.
Final Thought
Whether you’re trying to lose weight, grow a business, or lead a team, the principle is the same: success doesn’t come from intensity. It comes from consistency. From habits. From systems that make the right choice the easy choice.
That’s the lesson I carry with me every day — and the one I hope to share with anyone who feels like change is out of reach.