If you’re thinking, “I’m doing the work… so why don’t I see results yet?” — you’re in good company.
A lot of people reach this point. You start strong, stick to the plan, and expect progress — but instead, you feel stuck. Maybe the scale isn’t moving, or you don’t feel any different. That can feel frustrating, discouraging, and even a little defeating.
But here's the truth: Feeling like it's not working doesn't mean it's not working.
What Does Progress Actually Look Like?
In the early stages, change isn't always visible. Progress often shows up in this order:
Consistency — you're showing up more often
Performance — you feel stronger, more confident with movements
Body changes — how clothes fit, progress photos
Scale trend — often last, rarely in a straight line
If you're already seeing signs of consistency or performance, you're making progress. You're building the foundation that leads to physical changes — even if they haven't shown up yet.
When you'll see results varies by person. Your timeline depends on your starting point, how consistent you can be, sleep, stress, and what "results" means to you. For some people, changes show up quickly. For others, it takes longer. Both are normal.
The Scale Isn't the Whole Story
If the scale is making you feel like nothing's working, take a step back.
Body weight fluctuates for reasons that have nothing to do with fat gain:
Recovery from a hard workout
More salt or carbs than usual
Poor sleep or higher stress
A later-than-usual meal
All of those are normal and temporary.
If tracking your weight helps you stay objective, great — look at weekly averages and trends, not daily numbers. If it adds stress or spiraling, it's okay to step away and use other progress markers: energy, strength, how your clothes fit.
What You Can Try Right Now
If you're feeling frustrated, here are some simple options that work for different people. Pick one that feels doable today:
Quick wins:
Do just the warm-up of your next workout
Complete the first 10 minutes
Go for a 10-minute walk
Prep one simple meal
Over the next week or two:
Track 1-2 progress markers (not all of them)
Notice what's actually changing beyond the scale
Keep meals simple and repeatable
Some people find consistency helpful. Others need to switch things up to stay engaged. Both can work — do what helps you keep showing up.
A Quick Mindset Check
If your inner voice sounds like this:
"I should be further along by now"
"Why can't I just be consistent?"
"This isn't working"
Try reframing it:
"Progress is built over time"
"I'm practicing consistency, not perfection"
"Showing up today is enough"
You don't need to earn patience. You need to protect it.
If You Feel Stuck
Progress looks different for everyone. If you've been at this for a while and still feel stuck, you don't have to figure it out alone.
Need extra support?
Book a free 20-minute discovery call with a coach to discuss our coaching package options and how they can help you to stay on track.
You can book in two easy ways:
In the app: Menu (☰) → Appointments → Book
Direct link: trainwith.haileyhappensfitness.com/a/booking/
(No commitment required — just a conversation about your goals and what might help.)
Bottom Line
If it doesn't feel like it's working yet... it may still be working.
What works for you might look different than what works for someone else. Some people thrive with consistency and sticking to the same plan. Others need to switch things up to stay engaged. Both can work.
What might help:
Keep it simple (or try something new if you need fresh energy)
Focus on one small step today
Be patient and kind with yourself
Reach out if you need support
The key is finding what helps you keep showing up — whether that's repeating the same routine, trying a different plan, or getting personalized coaching.
Consistency is a skill. Results are the outcome.