Let me start by saying this: I hate housework.

Anything involving a wrench, screwdriver, or YouTube tutorial labeled “easy fix” is my nightmare. I’m probably the least “handy” guy you’ll ever meet, and I’ve spent years perfecting the art of paying or bribing other people to do that kind of thing for me.

But recently, the universe decided to test me.

All three of our toilets broke. Three. Different. Problems.

One ran constantly, one wouldn’t flush right, and the third one… made noises I’m still not sure were legal. My wife had been tinkering with them for a couple of days (honestly, she was doing a great job), but when the weekend hit, I decided to step up.

So, I grabbed my tools, put on my “I can do this” face, and went in.

Long story short: it was ugly. Parts everywhere, water where water shouldn’t be, and a few moments where I was convinced I’d need a Hazmat suit.

But by the end of the day, all three toilets worked perfectly.

And I’ll admit it. I felt ridiculously accomplished.

Not because I’m suddenly ready to start my own plumbing business, but because I did something uncomfortable, annoying, and totally outside my skill set. And I finished it.

That little feeling of “I did it” stuck with me all weekend.

And that’s when it hit me: this is exactly what happens in fitness.

The Power of Small Wins

Whether you’re working out at home, in a gym, or just trying to move more, progress rarely comes from massive, movie-montage-style breakthroughs.

It comes from micro-wins. Those tiny, unglamorous victories that build confidence one layer at a time.

Finishing a workout you didn’t feel like starting.
Saying no to the late-night snacks you usually cave to.
Drinking water instead of soda at lunch.
Showing up to the gym even when your energy’s low.

Each one might seem small in the moment, but together, they create unstoppable momentum.

That’s what fitness really is: proving to yourself, over and over again, that you can do hard things.

How to Build Your Own “Toilet Wins”

Here’s a simple framework I use (that doesn’t involve plumbing):

Pick one challenge this week. Something you’ve been avoiding. An early morning class, meal prepping, or tracking your nutrition.
Do it (imperfectly if you have to). Don’t overthink it. Just take the first step.
Celebrate the win. Seriously, take a second to feel proud. Recognition reinforces consistency.
Stack the next one. Once you realize you’re capable of more than you thought, keep building on that momentum.

Before you know it, your “I’ll try” becomes “I do this.”

The Takeaway

Fitness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about stacking small wins until you look back and realize how far you’ve come.

If you’re in Rocklin, CA and you’ve been looking for a gym near you that helps you stay consistent, motivated, and supported while chasing those wins, come check us out at Shred 27.

Our workouts are just 27 minutes, but they’re designed to help you build confidence, strength, and momentum, one micro-win at a time.

You don’t need to overhaul your life. Just start where you are, do one hard thing today, and prove to yourself (again) that you’re capable of more than you think.

And hey, if I can fix three toilets in a day, trust me… you can crush that workout.