Self Acceptance = OwnYour Beach Body on Your Terms
The summer months bring sunshine, baseball, cookouts, and good times. Who doesn’t love that? But if there’s one thing many of us dread, it’s getting ready for beach season. Sure, some people enjoy working out and can’t wait to show off their hard work in a tank top or bikini. That’s great—they should be an inspiration. But for most of us, the reality is different. Instead of motivation, we often feel bad for not looking like them.
The Age of Comparison
Social media has amplified the constant comparison game. If someone has a body they’re proud of, they’ll flaunt it—and you’ll see every bit of it. If you’re not feeling envious, you might find yourself judging them instead, as if being fit is a bad thing. Of course, it’s not. We should all strive to look and feel our best.
The key is focusing on our best, not someone else’s. Too often, we let our goals be dictated by what others have rather than what we truly want.
Defining Your Own Goals
If you want six-pack abs, go for it. If your goal is simply feeling good in your skin, that’s valid too. The problem arises when you don’t actually want those things but feel pressured to pursue them anyway. That’s when frustration sets in—because you’re chasing something that doesn’t align with your personal goals.
The real goal should be harmony—aligning what you want in life with the actions you take. Going after what you truly want brings fulfillment.
Avoiding the Trap of Envy
Just because you don’t want six-pack abs or a tiny waist doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have any goals. Too often, people dismiss fitness altogether simply because they don’t aspire to a certain look. That mindset can hold you back from becoming the best version of yourself.
Think about how we view success. When we see someone with a big house or a fancy car, we remind ourselves that appearances don’t tell the whole story. They might have luxury, but they could also have debt, stress, or other challenges. We’ve learned not to measure our worth based on others’ lifestyles—so why do we do that when it comes to body image?
Acceptance vs. Complacency
There’s a big difference between acceptance and complacency. It’s okay if you don’t want six-pack abs, but that doesn’t mean you should stop striving for a healthier, happier version of yourself.
The takeaway? If you want a “beach body,” work for it. If you don’t, that’s fine too. Just own your choice and set goals that truly matter to you. Whether it’s strength, endurance, or simply feeling comfortable in your own skin, working toward your goals—not someone else’s—is what brings real happiness.