When you're staring down a massive challenge - whether it's stroke recovery or, in my case, being 530 pounds and barely able to move - mindset isn't just some feel-good BS. It's everything. I've been revisiting two books that were crucial in my transformation: Tim Grover's Relentless and Jim Kwik's Limitless. Reading them again now, at 250 pounds, training with intensity, and running Survivor Science, they hit different. They're not just books anymore - they're blueprints I've personally tested.
My Journey: More Than Just Weight Loss
Most transformation stories focus on the before and after, but let's talk about what was really going on. At 530 pounds, I was dealing with a stroke that affected my right side, MS that hit my left side, and compression wrapping on my right side for a wound. Imagine wearing a refrigerator while trying to walk with drop foot and flexion issues. That was my reality.
"I'm not telling you it's going to be easy. I'm telling you it's going to be worth it." - Tim Grover
The Science of Transformation
The science of neuroplasticity isn't just academic theory - it's what I've lived. Your brain physically changes through consistent action. When researchers talk about "activity-dependent plasticity," they're describing what happens every time you repeat an action, whether it's working on arm mobility after stroke or learning to breathe properly for the first time.
Key research findings:
- Neural pathways strengthen through repeated use
- Exercise increases BDNF, helping create new neural connections
- The brain can recruit alternative pathways when primary ones are damaged
- Environmental enrichment enhances recovery potential
Want to dive deeper? Check out these topics on Google Scholar: "activity-dependent plasticity," "neural reorganization stroke recovery," "exercise-induced neuroplasticity"
The Breakthrough Most People Miss: Breath Work
Before I could run, before I could even walk properly, I had to learn to breathe. This wasn't optional - it was foundation-level stuff. Proper breathing:
- Improves oxygen delivery to muscles
- Reduces stress response
- Enhances recovery
- Improves movement control
This was the game-changer that took me from barely walking to running. Of course it didn't happen overnight, but it did happen! Which is surprising because I hated running my entire life even playing sports. It was actually the gateway that got me to take the plunge to run plus, I thought it be funny as a stroke survivor with MS to start running and like Forrest Gump, I haven't stopped since!
The Reality Nobody Talks About
Here's what transformation photos don't show:
- Learning to sleep differently as your body changes
- Dealing with loose skin and body image issues
- The mental game of showing up when everything hurts
- Building systems because motivation isn't reliable
The good news is there is a way to adjust all those things and we'll talk about them in the future!
Evolution, Not Revolution
My five-year journey (and counting):
- Year 1: Getting settled into my new reality, doing therapies and starting to learn how to meditate resting my brain!
- Year 2: Working through wound recovery and starting to get into the gym slowly.
- Year 3: Introducing the Peloton (Summer '22 game-changer) Breathwork, and starting to run as a joke quickly becomes reality.
- Year 4: Building consistency in movement, showing up each and every day in the garage on the streets and at the gym!
- Year 5: Running and advanced training! As of today since October 6, 2022 at about 13,800 miles and counting...
The Systems That Actually Work
Tracking Without Obsession
- Whoop for sleep and recovery
- Garmin for activity
- Phone for basic metrics
- Evening compression therapy (started for wound recovery, now crucial for running)
Recovery Ritual
Every evening:
- Compression sleeve session
- Meditation
- Breathwork
- Movement reflection
Nutrition Reality
- Focus on whole, unprocessed foods when possible
- Stay realistic - perfection isn't sustainable
- Listen to your body's signals
- Consistency over perfection
Lessons from Relentless and Limitless
From Grover's Relentless:
- Cleaners don't wait for motivation - they build systems
- Use pain as feedback, not a stop sign
- Set standards for daily actions, forget about timeline expectations
From Kwik's Limitless:
"The key to learning is not consumption of information, but creation of habits that lead to transformation."
Recent Deep Dives
[Episode 68 Embed - The Relentless Recovery Mindset] Breaking down what being relentless really means in recovery
[Episode 69 Embed - The Science of Limitless Recovery] Deep dive into neuroplasticity and practical application
[Episode 70 Embed - Smart Recovery Strategies] Everything about balancing push and rest
Moving Forward
This journey doesn't end. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth. Whether you're dealing with stroke recovery, MS, weight loss, or any other challenge, remember: transformation isn't about dramatic changes - it's about showing up consistently and doing the work.
Want to dig deeper into any of these topics? Join us at The Center. We're building a community of people who understand that real change takes time, effort, and support.
Will Schmierer
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