"It's easy for you..."

This is where I finished 2020. I was really happy with the outcome all things considered. But when discussing my body composition with other people, I often hear "it's easy for you".

It's not intended to be hurtful, and it's probably just a perception of my genetics, and the fact I work professionally in fitness. But the most harmful part of a comment like that isn't that it undermines the achievers effort, but rather that it robs the speaker of their own best effort in the process. It implies a belief that all effort isn't equal, and that hard work isn't the essential part of the process.

Sure, I was born tall and slim, but I wasn't built strong and big. Take a look at my ankles and wrists for proof. I still did the work.

Sure, I work in fitness but sometimes during a hard week of long hours (of which there are many), the gym is the last place I want to be. I still did the sessions.

Sure, I don't lose strength and muscle like other during a lockdown, but that's due to 15+ years of continually lifting weights. I still stayed consistent.

And sure, I don't gain fat as quickly as others, but that's due to 10+ years of learning nutrition and creating steadfast habits for myself. I still learned what worked for me. While I'm still no Schwarzenegger, I did and continue to do the work and get the reward. None of those things are easy. That's why people struggle with them. The fact of the matter is that any desirable physique takes hard work. It's a badge of honour that's impossible to fake for those that do. Saying that it is easier for someone else other than yourself will prevent you from putting in your own best work. Your are stealing your own effort, and with limited effort comes limited results.