When I talk to clients about staying focused and making progress, I often bring up marathons. Not because everyone should go out and run one — most people don’t want to — but because they’re one of the clearest, most powerful examples of how real, lasting progress is made.

I’ve run 12 full marathons, alongside countless 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons. Every single one taught me something that I now bring into my work as a mindset and confidence coach – whether I’m supporting someone through weight loss or helping them build belief to ride a motorbike or do another new activity for the first time.

Because the truth is, no matter what the goal is, success comes down to the same thing: a resilient mindset.

You Can’t Wing a Marathon… and You Can’t Wing a Big Goal

Back in 2007, I was running 10Ks. By April 2009, I was on the start line of the London Marathon. I’d trained for over 18 months to get there. But I still wasn’t in the best shape. I’d overtrained, I was exhausted, heavier than I wanted to be, and mentally drained. But I was committed. I’d raised thousands for charity. I had to finish.

That medal became my anchor. My why. But when everything started hurting and the finish line still felt miles away, the medal wasn’t enough on its own. I had to break the race down — one mile at a time.

The Power of Mile Markers

In every marathon, you see these massive mile marker signs. Each one is a mini goal. A sign that you’re still moving forward. I started taking a photo at every single one. Not for anyone else — for me. To prove I hadn’t stopped.

That’s exactly the approach I now teach when it comes to weight loss, learning a new skill like riding a motorbike, or tackling anything that feels hard and overwhelming.

Don’t fixate on the finish line. Focus on the next marker.

Maybe it’s:

• Logging your food honestly today
• Taking your first slow ride around a car park
• Saying no to a second glass of wine
• Getting back on track after a wobbly weekend

These are your mile markers. Hit enough of them and the finish line takes care of itself.

What My Medal Rack Really Means

If you’ve seen my office, you’ve seen the medal rack. Hundreds of race medals hang from it -5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and 12 full marathons.

But it’s not a trophy wall. It’s a consistency wall.

Each medal represents not just a race, but the hundreds of training days that led up to it. Early mornings. Cold runs. Setbacks. Wins. Self-doubt. Determination. Every medal is a physical reminder that I kept going – one foot in front of the other – even on the days I didn’t want to.

It’s exactly the same process I used to stop yo-yo dieting, quit smoking, and build a life and body I’m proud of, build my business and learn to ride my motorbike.

And it’s the same process I use to help others reach their goals too.

Some Days You Limp. Some Days You Fly.

Some marathons I finished strong. Others I hobbled over the line. I’ve run through cramps, blisters, fatigue, and frustration. But I finished. Every time.

And that’s the mindset you need for anything you care about:

• Learning to ride a bike when fear kicks in
• Losing weight in a world that revolves around food
• Showing up for yourself when it would be easier to give up

Some days will feel easy. Others will test you. Both count.

The Resilient Mindset Behind Every Goal

It doesn’t matter whether your goal is to feel comfortable in your clothes again or to ride a motorbike with confidence at age 50 — the mindset required is the same.

You don’t have to be perfect.
You just have to be consistent.

You don’t need to know how you’ll get through the whole journey.
You just need to keep moving toward your next mile marker.

And if you fall off track? You get back up.

That’s what builds real confidence. Real results. Real freedom.

So What’s Your Next Mile Marker?

If your goal feels far away, don’t obsess over the end. Bring your focus back to now:

• What’s the next small thing I can do?
• What would future me be proud of?
• How can I keep moving forward, even just a little?
  

You don’t need to be fast.
You don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to keep going.

The finish line will be there when you’re ready.

And I promise you — the version of you who crosses it will be stronger than the one who started.