How to Keep Going When You’re Not Sure It’s Working
You’ve started. That’s already a win.
You’ve picked up the kettlebell, committed to moving more, and decided your future strength matters.
But then, somewhere between week two and week six, it hits.
“Am I doing this right?”
“Is this even working?”
“What if I’m wasting my time—or worse, hurting myself?”
These aren’t signs that you’re failing.
They’re signs that you’re human—and growing.
Why Doubt Is Especially Common After 50
You’ve lived through enough to know your body doesn’t recover like it used to. You’ve likely experienced setbacks—injuries, fatigue, busy phases that derailed your progress.
So when something feels unfamiliar or uncertain, your brain naturally hesitates.
This isn’t laziness or weakness. It’s self-preservation.
But too much doubt leads to:
- Paralysis (“Better to skip than do it wrong”)
- Avoidance (“I’ll start again when I have more time/energy”)
- Overwhelm (“There’s too much to learn”)
And ultimately, that doubt steals your momentum.
What Self-Doubt Sounds Like (and What It Actually Means)
Let’s decode some common thoughts:
“I’m not sure I’m doing this correctly.”
Translation: You care about doing things safely and effectively.
Reframe: This is a great opportunity to improve form gradually—record a video, work in front of a mirror, or revisit the basics.
“I don’t see results yet.”
Translation: You’re putting in effort and hoping for validation.
Reframe: Results are happening—internally first. Stronger tendons, better blood sugar control, improved joint function—these come before visible changes.
“What if I hurt myself?”
Translation: You’re aware of your limits and want to avoid setbacks.
Reframe: That’s a strength. Start with control, use proper progressions, and celebrate safety as a form of strength.
“This feels too slow.”
Translation: You’ve been conditioned to expect quick wins.
Reframe: Slow, sustainable progress builds habits that last for years—not just weeks.
The Science: Why Your Brain Hates Uncertainty
The human brain craves predictability and patterns. New behaviors—like a training plan, or using kettlebells for the first time—trigger a mild threat response.
That’s why doubt feels so uncomfortable. Your brain is essentially saying:
“We’ve never done this before. Are we sure it’s safe?”
But with repetition and positive reinforcement, uncertainty becomes confidence.
Your job isn’t to silence doubt—it’s to move forward despite it.
Confidence = Action + Reflection
Confidence doesn’t come before action—it comes from action.
Each time you show up, even with questions in your mind, you send a message to your nervous system:
“I do hard things. I’m learning. I adapt.”
After the session, take 30 seconds to reflect:
- What felt good?
- What felt shaky?
- What would I change next time?
This loop of act – reflect – adjust is how you build not just skill, but self-trust.
What If You Really Are Doing Something Inefficient?
It’s a fair question—and one that deserves a thoughtful answer.
Here’s how to move through it without panic:
Step 1: Focus on Fundamentals
Stick with 3–5 basic kettlebell movements:
- Deadlift
- Goblet Squat
- Overhead Press
- Farmer’s Carry
- Seated Press or March
These build full-body strength safely and apply to real life.
Step 2: Record Your Form
Use your phone to film yourself from the side and front. Compare it to beginner-friendly tutorials. Small tweaks often make a big difference.
Step 3: Use RPE, Not Reps Alone
Instead of chasing a number, use the Rate of Perceived Exertion:
- Aim for RPE 6–7: challenging but controlled
- You should feel like you could do 2 more good reps at the end of a set
Step 4: Measure What You Can Feel
Track energy, posture, balance, and confidence—not just body weight or appearance.
Progress isn’t only about numbers—it’s about feeling capable in your own body again.
Mental Tools to Disarm Doubt
You don’t have to power through uncertainty—you can work with it.
Here are three tools to help:
1. “Of Course I Feel This Way.”
When doubt shows up, don’t fight it. Say:
“Of course I feel unsure. I’m doing something new. And I can keep going anyway.”
This removes the shame and normalizes the experience.
2. Anchor to Your Identity
Instead of focusing on goals like “I want to lose weight,” focus on identity:
“I am someone who trains with care and consistency.”
“I’m learning how to move better.”
“I protect my future with every session I show up for.”
Identity fuels persistence.
3. The 80% Rule
Not every workout will feel amazing.
Aim to give 80%—that’s more than enough to build a resilient body. And it’s far better than chasing perfection and burning out.
What to Do If Doubt Becomes Demotivation
If you feel stuck in analysis or comparison, try these resets:
- Simplify your routine. Go back to 1–2 exercises you know well.
- Take the pressure off. Just commit to 10 minutes.
- Switch to movement you enjoy. Sometimes walking, stretching, or playing with a pet is exactly what your nervous system needs.
- Talk it out. Share your doubts with someone who understands—partner, trainer, friend. You’re likely not alone.
Real Story: “I Was Sure I Was Failing—Until I Looked Back”
Diane, 64, had been training for six weeks when doubt hit hard. The scale hadn’t moved. Her shoulders ached some days. She almost quit.
But when her daughter visited, she noticed Diane standing straighter and walking faster.
“She said I looked lighter—not thinner, but more confident. That’s when I realized: I’d been measuring the wrong things.”
Now Diane trains 3x per week. Not for the mirror—but for the way she feels walking through the world.
Final Words
Self-doubt isn’t a reason to stop.
It’s an invitation to slow down, look around, and reconnect with why you started.
You’re not behind. You’re not broken. You’re in the middle of becoming someone stronger—mentally and physically.
So when doubt whispers “What if I can’t do this?”
Answer honestly:
“I’m doing it anyway.”
