Demand the Best for Yourself

“How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?” – Epictetus

In fitness, health, and life, we often settle for “good enough.”

We put off our goals, thinking we’ll start tomorrow or wait for the perfect moment.

But as Epictetus reminds us with his timeless question, “How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?” we often delay pursuing our full potential far too long.

In fitness, we may tell ourselves that tomorrow is the day we’ll start eating better or get to the gym.

But then tomorrow becomes next week, and before we know it, months have passed without progress. It’s like buying a treadmill that turns into a really expensive clothes rack.

In our mindset, we accept limiting beliefs—“I’m not strong enough,” “I don’t have time”—without ever challenging them.

The best version of ourselves remains locked behind comfortable but uninspiring habits we cling to, like staying in bed for “just 5 more minutes” (which we all know is code for an extra hour).

So, what does it mean to demand the best for yourself? It means recognizing that you deserve to be the healthiest, strongest, and most resilient version of you.

It means making decisions that align with your goals, whether it’s choosing a nourishing meal over fast food or pushing through a tough workout even when Netflix is whispering sweet nothings in your ear.

It’s about realizing that you are worth the effort.

The journey to self-improvement starts by demanding better from yourself every single day.

This doesn’t mean striving for perfection—it means raising the bar, step by step, and consistently showing up for yourself. Every choice matters. Your health, your mindset, and your fitness are all reflections of how much you believe you deserve.

So, how long will you wait? Today is the best time to start demanding the best for yourself. Your future self (and your dust-free treadmill) will thank you.

Journal Prompt:

“What would my life look like if I truly demanded the best for myself in health, fitness, and mindset? What’s one small action I can take today to raise my standards?”