Why Strength Sticks When Goals Don’t

When it comes to fitness, most of us think in terms of outcomes: “I want to lose 20 pounds,” or “I want to bench 225.” But what if the secret to lasting change isn’t about hitting a target—it’s about becoming the kind of person who never skips a workout in the first place? In this episode, Pete and coach Srdjan dig into the science and stories behind outcome-based versus identity-based goals. They explore research showing that people who frame themselves as “someone who exercises” are more likely to stick with it over time, and they bring in plenty of real-world examples from clients who’ve experienced the shift firsthand.

Pete shares his own struggle as a goal-focused achiever who could hit milestones but often dropped the habit afterward—whether it was couch-to-5K or pull-ups. Srdjan offers practical strategies for bridging that gap: layering small wins on the way to bigger, long-term goals, and learning to fall in love with the process rather than just the outcome. Along the way, they talk about how fitness goals shape confidence, self-image, and stress reduction, and why sometimes the biggest benefit of a workout has nothing to do with the weight on the bar—it’s the clarity and calm it gives you afterward.

The conversation also takes listener questions: first, about the long-promised list of Srdjan’s favorite Instagram influencers (yes, it’s finally coming), and second, about why powerlifters can be stronger than bodybuilders despite their size. The answers shed light on how different training approaches create strength versus size, and why you can’t always judge strength by appearance.

Whether you’re trying to build momentum for the first time, reset after a layoff, or finally understand why some goals don’t stick, this episode is all about how to make fitness part of who you are—not just something you do.