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How to Be a Positive Realist & Break Free from Yo-Yo Dieting

  • Writer: Stuart McLay
    Stuart McLay
  • Mar 12
  • 3 min read

Have you ever started a diet or fitness plan full of motivation, only to hit a roadblock and feel like quitting?


Maybe life gets busy, progress slows down, or you have a bad day, and suddenly, it feels like it’s all falling apart.


If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Most people fall into one of two mindsets:


🥀 The Pessimist – Assumes things will go wrong, so they never fully commit. One small setback? Might as well give up.

🌈 The Optimist – Believes things will magically work out but doesn’t take the necessary action to make it happen.


Neither works in the long run. What you really need is to become a Positive Realist.


My Journey to Becoming a Positive Realist


I used to see myself as an optimist—always assuming things would work out. But if I’m honest, I was too relaxed. I’d tell myself that success would come with time, without putting in the real effort to make it happen.


Life doesn’t work like that. I had to remind myself that taking action on what truly matters is the key to real progress.


What Exactly is a Positive Realist?


A Positive Realist is someone who:


✔ Keeps a positive mindset – Believes change is possible.

✔ Accepts that challenges will come – Progress isn’t always smooth.

✔ Takes consistent action – Instead of waiting for motivation or a ‘perfect’ time.


It’s about balancing self-compassion with accountability—acknowledging your struggles without using them as an excuse to quit.


Why I Stayed Stuck For Longer Than Needed...


When things didn't go to plan, it was too easy to get overwhelmed and think, This isn’t working. But here’s the truth:


💥 Every new level brings new challenges – Just like in a video game, the obstacles get harder as you progress. The key is learning how to beat each “boss” instead of quitting the game.


🚧 If you’re not seeing results, it’s not failure—it’s feedback. The question isn’t “Why can’t I do this?” It’s “What do I need to tweak?”


🛑 The only way to fail is to stop trying. As long as you keep adapting and learning, you’re moving forward.


How to Apply the Positive Realist Mindset to Your Goals


1️⃣ Spot the Challenge Before It Stops You

Most people quit because they don’t recognize what’s actually going wrong.


Ask yourself:

🔍 Is this a skill problem? (Do I need to learn something new?)

⚡ Is this an energy problem? (Am I exhausted, overwhelmed, or stressed?)

🧠 Is this a belief problem? (Am I doubting myself because of past failures?)


Once you know the real issue, you can actually solve it.


2️⃣ Reflect Without Judgment

Instead of beating yourself up, ask better questions:


  • What’s working well?

  • What’s not working?

  • What’s one small thing I can change this week?


Even if you’ve had a bad day (or week), there’s always something to learn.


3️⃣ Take Action (Even If It’s Small)

Thinking about change won’t get results—taking action does.


✅ Didn’t hit your workout goal? Do something active today.

✅ Overate last night? Make your next meal balanced and nutritious.

✅ Feeling stuck? Ask for help instead of quitting.


Small, consistent actions create lasting results.


Your Next Step


If you’re tired of the cycle—starting strong, losing momentum, then quitting—let’s change that.


📅 Book a free consultation with me here: Brainstorm Consultation


We’ll figure out what’s holding you back and create a realistic plan that fits your life.


Remember: Success isn’t about being perfect. It’s about learning, adapting, and taking action—even when it’s tough.


You’ve got this. 💪

 
 
 

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