Behind the Perfect Body

Trends are as fleeting as a morning mist. Get more than the 11-minute average trend time on Twitter and you’re a star! But you know what never goes out of trend? #bodygoals

Scroll through Instagram and you will quickly realize that most people appear fit, with chiseled abs and toned physiques. You can’t miss the eye-catching titles of these viral videos “How to get a flat tummy in 5 days”. I am guilty of saving so many of these and never getting back to them. There is just something that draws us in when we see those “perfect bodies”. We either aspire to achieve similar results and immediately devise a fitness plan, or we find ourselves scrolling through the comments, questioning the authenticity of these transformations and looking for that one comment that says “Your doctors did a great job”. Aren’t we all obsessed with quick fixes and shortcuts? From overnight success stories to miracle weight loss pills, we’re constantly bombarded with promises of rapid results.

When we come across someone who earnestly worked their way to the results in the picture we don’t consider the rigorous, day-in, day-out consistency that goes into achieving and maintaining their body. Consistency is one of my biggest struggles too, especially as a blogger. Sticking to a schedule is almost impossible and do I need to mention the million and one excuses going through my mind right now? Sometimes things are out of our control but more often than not, we struggle because our goals were not realistic in the first place. I can’t even mention my weekly goal when I started this blog….(laughs in corporate stress). Since you have read up to this point, I want you to think of this blog as a reflection on why I am choosing consistency as my only goal for 2025. 

The Bible doesn’t tell us how to build biceps or get a lean physique, yet it teaches a powerful lesson on the value of consistency—of patience, dedication, and small steps taken over and over again. Think about weightlifting. No one achieves noticeable biceps after a single session in the gym. Growth happens gradually, muscles are built through repetitive effort over time. This analogy always reminds me of Noah. When God called Noah to build an ark (Genesis 6 to 9), it wasn’t a weekend project. Building the ark took decades of hard, relentless work. Day after day, Noah dedicated himself to cutting wood, constructing, and following God’s instructions precisely. One large piece of wood would not have made an ark. In fitness, the initial phase often feels just like Noah’s journey—long, slow, and devoid of visible results. Most of us start a fitness journey only to give up a few weeks in, discouraged that we haven’t achieved what we thought we would. But like Noah, building something meaningful and lasting requires a vision that extends beyond the present. Noah had no certainty about the flood, he only trusted God’s word and yet, he never stopped building. 

Another great example of consistency done right is Daniel. Taken to Babylon and given access to the finest food and drinks from the King’s table. Yet, Daniel chose a diet that aligned with his spiritual beliefs, abstaining from royal delicacies in favor of vegetables and water. His commitment to this diet wasn’t just a passing phase; it required self-discipline for 3 whole years. On a fitness journey, discipline with nutrition is crucial, you have to delay gratification and pay keen attention to what you eat to see good results. For Daniel, a disciplined approach did not only honor God but also resulted in better physical health than those who ate the royal food.

Studies have shown that discipline in one area of life, such as diet or exercise, often leads to improved habits in other areas, like sleep or productivity. This phenomenon, known as “habit spillover,” explains why building consistency in small actions can lead to significant life changes. A standout example is Daniel’s prayer life. Even when faced with a decree that made prayer to God illegal, Daniel continued to pray three times a day, just as he had always done (Daniel 6:10). His consistent prayer life gave him the strength to face challenges, the wisdom to interpret dreams, and the courage to stand firm in his faith, even when it could cost him his life. You know what they say: 

“Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny”  – Lao-Tze. 

Daniel’s prayer habit not only reinforced his dedication to God but also provided a sense of stability. It wasn’t just a routine, it was a cornerstone of his character. James Clear, author of Atomic Habits also explains that small, consistent habits compound over time, leading to exponential results. For Daniel, his results could not be ignored. He arrived in Babylon as a captive but rose the ranks to become the governor of the province of Babylon. 

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; He shall not stand before mean men.” (Proverbs 22:29)

As we enter a new year, chasing big, bold goals that promise instant results is tempting. But the real power lies in the mundane—the everyday disciplines and staying faithful even when we don’t see immediate outcomes. Most of us don’t just want results; we want instant results. But fitness, like faith, cannot be hurried. Physical transformation takes time, just as personal transformation does. Real growth happens when we’re willing to put in the work day by day. The Bible reminds us in James 1:4  “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Just as a sculpted body reflects hours of unseen dedication, a life of faithfulness reflects a heart steadfastly committed to God.

So, whether you’re aiming to hit your target weight by summer, grow spiritually, or just improve your health remember this: success isn’t about perfection or quick wins. It’s about showing up, again and again, trusting that the small steps we take today will lead to the transformation we seek tomorrow. 

Here’s how we’ll take 2025 by storm.

1. Start Small (Cut the cabs sis!)
2. Stay Accountable (Get you a Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah in your corner!)
3. Focus on the Why 
4. Trust the Process

Cheers to consistency and growth!