This morning at 6:03, I got a message:

“Alrighty. If you had to guess how much weight I’m down after a week. What would it be?”

Knee jerk reaction—I was stoked. I mean, I’ve been in close touch with this friend lately. He’s part of a test group for an exciting new project I’ve been working on. (It’s set to launch next month. Get excited and keep your eyes peeled.) From what he’s told me, he’s absolutely crushing it so far.

But then I let my mind wander…

There are all kinds of names for the internal dialogue that ensued. Brené Brown calls them gremlins. I say stories. Others? Impostor syndrome. Regardless of how you refer to them, they’re the same—internal self-doubt.

Is he asking because he didn’t get results like he expected with week one? Maybe he’s irritated and looking for validation that his effort wasn’t rewarded.

Shoot. The program isn’t getting results.

He’s probably frustrated that his hard work hasn’t paid off. Maybe the program and customized meal plan aren’t as great as I thought. Is it even good?

I fumbled over possible responses in my mind. On the one hand, I’m confident in my programs getting results. Because that’s what they do. But on the other, this is brand new—he’s part of the test group. I’m still working out some kinks. I landed on a response I’m not proud of. A textbook-type answer. Because I couldn’t tell if he was excited or upset.

“Tough to say haha. [Yeah, I even threw in a nervous laugh.] I mean, losing 1–2 pounds is solid progress. But I wouldn’t be shocked if you had lost more than that.”

What a lame answer. I didn’t really answer the question, for one. I didn’t stand by my expertise. And I didn’t put my confidence in the program or his incredible effort during week one.

His response?

“5.6”

Five point freaking six. Over five and a half pounds. In. One. Week.

That blows 1–2 pounds out of the water. In all truth, it’s more than I would have ever expected—even at my most optimistic. People I coach usually achieve above-average results. But tripling them? Downright amazing. And something interesting happened as our conversation continued.

Success Fuels Our Future Fire

He’s more motivated. I’m more motivated. And we’re both fired up to dominate week two of the program (him as a participant, and me as the coach).

Why? Because success breeds success.

The more we succeed—with anything—the more motivated we are to work hard and keep the momentum alive. The gym is a lot more fun when you see the scale plummet. Doing curls is cooler when you start stretching shirt sleeves. Waking up early to put in that extra hustle at work is easy when you see your hard work rewarded.

It’s the little victories along the way that pour gasoline on next week’s flame. You’re fired up. You want to go that much harder. You want to see what you’re truly capable of.

Recognize these little victories on your path to success. In fitness. In business. In life. Because…

Success breeds success.