I was scrolling through social media this morning, something I try to limit, but every now and then, you see a post that makes you pause and think a bit differently.

You know the type, those posts with perfect kit, lighting, and captions that make you think, "Wow, they've really got it all figured out."

It's the classic example of virtue signalling, where people present the most polished version of themselves online.

But the thing about social media, it's often more about how we want to be seen in the world than about showing the messy reality.

And that got me thinking more broadly about our aspirations and goals in general.

So many people want the outcome - more power on the bike, a higher FTP, losing 5-6kg to feel stronger and more confident.

Those are legitimate goals.

But very few people are truly willing to do the hard work that lies behind that outcome.

There's a massive difference between wanting something and being willing to earn it.

The truth is, the results we really want don't come from just talking about them or showing off an image online.

They come from actually putting in the hard work.

If you want to lose weight and feel strong on the bike, you have to train consistently, not occasionally, not just when you feel like it, but consistently.

If you want to ride better, you have to put the time into structured training and strength work.

There's no magic answer, just consistency, discipline, and habits built up over time.

As a coach, I would never ask a client to do something I wouldn't do myself.

I believe strongly in practising what I preach, training early, looking after my health, having my own goals, and leading from the front.

I'm not asking you to do anything I'm not willing to do. That wouldn't be right.

Real change is uncomfortable. But that's exactly why it's so rewarding; it requires honesty, effort, and sacrifice.

You don't become the person you want to be by buying a new kit or posting the right things online.

You become that person by building the habits that force the change to happen.

So here's my question for you: Are you ready to do the work?

If you're serious about making real changes - not just talking about them - and you want help building the habits that actually last, I'd like to invite you to book a call with me.

We'll have an honest chat about where you are now, where you want to be, and what it's really going to take to get there.

No fluff, no shortcuts, just a straightforward conversation about your goals and a realistic plan to achieve them.

Book a coffee chat

Neil