How to Change Your Story

I used to think my story was set in stone.

That I was just “the guy who couldn't stop binge eating,” or “the guy who would always give up halfway.” But that wasn’t the truth. That was just the story I kept telling myself. And the hardest part? I believed it.

You Are Not Your Low Moments

We all have habits, patterns, and choices that shape our day-to-day lives. Sometimes those things feel permanent. Like you're stuck in one part of your life, reliving the same script every day.

For years, I played hours of video games daily. I ate junk food nonstop. My weight climbed past 320 pounds. I told myself I was just lazy, had no self-discipline, and that I’d never be healthy or successful. That story became my identity.

But here's the truth I learned: your story can change.

You are not your past. You’re just the author of what's next.

Step One: Notice the Story You’re Telling

Begin by asking yourself: What have I been telling myself about who I am?

Maybe it’s:

“I’m not a morning person.”
“I’ve never stuck to anything.”
“I hate working out.”
“I’m just built this way.”

These stories feel like facts, but they’re just thoughts you’ve repeated so many times that they feel real. I used to tell people, “I’ll never lose weight. I’ve tried everything.” But in reality, I hadn’t really tried a healthy, balanced approach. I just kept starting impossible plans and quitting after a few days.

Be honest with yourself. Listen to the story that plays on repeat in your head. Write it down.

Step Two: Challenge That Story

Once you’ve noticed your story, ask this simple question:

Is this helping me?

Often, the stories we hold onto are not even true or useful. They keep us stuck because they give us a reason to stay the same. Change is scary, but being stuck hurts more.

When I started losing weight, I didn’t say, “I’m going to drop 110 pounds.” That felt too big and too far away. Honestly, that would’ve scared me back into the pantry.

The new story I started telling myself was:

“I’m someone who makes better choices today.”

That shift changed everything.

Step Three: Write a New Story—One Day at a Time

You don’t have to rewrite your whole life today. You just need to write the next chapter.

That chapter might be:

Taking a 15-minute walk after breakfast
Saying no to the third slice of pizza
Getting out of bed without hitting snooze

On their own, those things seem small. But they’re powerful. Because every small action reinforces a new identity.

Here are a few stories I tried on while building a healthier life:

“I’m someone who moves every day”
“I say no to the habits that used to control me”
“I’m growing in my faith, even on hard days”
“I don’t have to be perfect—I just show up”

You aren’t faking it. You’re practicing a new you.

Small Wins Create Big Change

I used to chase quick-fixes—sprints, not marathons. But nothing stuck until I celebrated small wins and stayed consistent.

Some of the biggest wins came from things that looked tiny:

Replacing my Xbox time with journaling or prayer
Drinking water instead of soda at lunch
Going to bed at the same time each night
Choosing stillness in the morning to spend time with God
Focusing deeply for just 2 or 3 hours and then stepping away guilt-free

These small wins helped me lose over 110 pounds. They helped me build a peaceful life with real structure and purpose. And they helped me break free from the unhealthy habits I thought would control me forever.

You Can Start Again—Any Time

Maybe you’ve messed up. Maybe you’ve started before and slipped. That’s okay. You're human.

I’ve fallen back into old habits many times. I’ve eaten a whole pizza in one sitting. I’ve wasted entire weekends. I’ve felt like I was back to square one. But I wasn’t.

Every time I got back up, I was actually stronger. Because I had evidence that I could change. That I had already done it once—and I could do it again.

The story doesn’t end when you trip. The chapter just gets more interesting.

Connect Your Story to Something Greater

One of the biggest shifts in my life came when I connected my story to something much bigger than health, habits, or productivity. My faith.

When life felt out of control, God became my foundation. I realized I didn’t need to change just for myself, but because I was made for more. I was made to love, to grow, to serve others—not just survive day to day.

That deeper purpose gave me strength when motivation ran out.

If you feel empty or stuck, I encourage you to reach out to God. Open your heart. Ask for help. You don’t have to do this alone.