Once you build up enough momentum for a life goal, it starts to carry itself.

I started weight lifting about six years ago. The beginning was modest, challenging as usual with the resistance to going to the gym and exercising. I struggled to go more than once or twice a week due to a busy schedule. Gains were slow, and the learning curve involved getting injured from time to time, forcing me out of the game. For years, I couldn't get past a bench press of 135 lbs (two 45 lb plates on each side of an Olympic bar). It was nothing glorious.

The shift began very gradually. A few years back, I had a summer where my schedule opened up, giving me some free time in the afternoon. I made a routine: I’d head to a cafe to do some work, then swing by my local gym on the way back. I was able to do this consistently, going to the gym 3-5 days a week.

Almost suddenly, going to the gym was no longer a drag. It became an enjoyable routine—something that left me feeling better each time. Slowly, it transformed from a chore into a place of respite, a sanctuary where I could exert energy and grow stronger. Before I knew it, I was benching 165-170 lbs regularly. No fancy workout routine, no personal trainer, nothing glorious—just consistent work with the same six exercises: squats, overhead press, deadlift, bench press, curls, pulls, and rows. Over and over, again and again. Boring but predictable—and oddly relaxing.

It's wild to see the transformation in myself, both in terms of habit and physical change. Now, I love the gym. I still go 3-6 days a week, and if I miss a day, it’s usually to do some other form of exercise like hiking, yoga, or swimming. I've lost 40 lbs of fat, and sometimes I’m shocked when I look in the mirror. It feels like my body has reverse-aged.

The gym is my sanctuary and training ground. It challenges my body and gives me a space to express pent-up energy. I get in 15 minutes of jump rope followed by weight lifting, and this routine tends to reset and regulate me, keeping me grounded. Now, it's not just a place for my body but for my mind too—in between sets, I study material I've been learning by going through my Anki decks. This dual practice of mind and body makes my sessions a little longer, but I feel both my physical and intellectual strength growing each time.

Exercise, and the gym in particular, has taken on new importance for me. As I reflect on longevity and healthspan, I see it as an investment in my future self and my crazy goal of living to 115 years old in good health. It’s no longer just a “nice to have” or a chore. It’s an integrated part of my life, one of the foundational pillars that keeps me moving through the world.

If I were to give my younger self advice, I would say: show up, don’t push too hard—80% effort is amazing. Consistency is the most important factor. The more time you spend in the space, the more micro-improvements you'll pick up. Showing up and doing the work—and not beating yourself up when you fail, injure yourself, or struggle to meet your goals—is crucial for long-term growth. No metrics graph goes linearly up and to the right—there are always ups and downs. The trick is to show up every time you can. Do your best, not more, not less.