By Shawn McQueen
Intro
Oftentimes, we walk into the gym carrying more than just a bag.
A new body part hurts.
Our schedules are overflowing.
Stress piles up.
There’s friction at home.
A kid who won’t listen.
An issue at work or with someone you care about.
Life gets heavy.
And when those external experiences collide with our internal experience, when stress, sadness, or sickness meets physical pain, exhaustion etc—it can drag us down.
And if we’re not careful – it can keep us down.
It’s hard not to feel defeated.
It’s hard not to ask, “Why even try?”
I know that space.
I’ve lived there.
I’ve suffered there.
For stretches of time in my past.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
We always have a choice.
We can stay in the “poor me” mindset.
We can spiral into frustration, blame, self-judgment.
We can shut down before we even begin.
Or—we can choose the deeper work.
The work of our mindset.
The work of how we think.
The work of how we relate to ourselves.
The work of adjusting expectations—not to lower them, but to meet ourselves with grace.
With compassion.
With love.
Especially when it’s hard.
Especially in the gym.
Because I know what it’s like to be hard on yourself.
To not feel how you want to feel.
To not look how you want to look.
To not move how you want to move.
And lately, I’ve had multiple conversations where I could see it—
People carrying the weight of life on their shoulders.
When life isn’t going how we want, we often live in a state of mental suffering.
And here’s the truth:
That suffering? We’re the ones creating it.
And the greatest opportunity we have—the greatest work we can do—is the work between our ears.
Because our actions come from our being.
And who we are being is shaped by our thoughts and the words we speak.
🔁 Pause & Reflect: Ask Yourself…
- What story am I choosing to believe right now—and is it serving me?(Am I reinforcing powerlessness… or possibility?)
- Am I focusing on what’s wrong… or what’s within my control to change?(Where can I redirect my energy?)
- If I lead from gratitude in this moment—what becomes available to me?(Even when it’s hard, there’s always something I can honor.)
- Would the best version of me be speaking, thinking, or acting this way?(And what would they choose instead?)
- What am I actually committed to—growth, or staying in my comfort zone?(Because complaining is often disguised resistance.)
Self-awareness is step one.
Action is step two.
This is why I believe in Railroad.
It’s not just a gym.
It’s a place to release.
To let go of the pressure.
To move your body—no matter what’s going on in your life.
To step into a space that reminds you: you’re not alone.
So whether you’re feeling off…
…or sick
…or stressed
…or overwhelmed
…or carrying more than you let on—
Just get here.
Move your body.
Breathe.
Embrace what you can do.
Be proud that you showed up—for yourself.
Be around people who care that you’re here.
People walking their own path.
People struggling too—but still showing up.
And remind yourself:
This won’t always feel this way.
It will get better.
And it starts with the choice you make:
To think differently.
To speak differently.
To be someone who chooses themselves—lovingly, consistently, and powerfully.
Because you are worth it.
Every time.
Loving you,
Shawn
Helpful Action Steps (pick 1)
🔁 1. Commit to a Daily Mindset Check-In
“Every morning this week, ask yourself:
Who would I need to be to bring my best self forward today?
What thoughts will I choose to fuel me today?
Write it down. Speak it out loud. Let it lead you.”
🧠 2. Commit to Catching At least One Disempowering Thought Per Day
“Just one.
Catch it.
Question it.
Replace it.”
Example:
“I can’t do this” → “I’m learning how.”
“This is too much” → “I can handle this one step at a time.”
💬 3. Speak Powerfully—Out Loud.
“Pick one empowering sentence and speak it to yourself daily this week.”
Examples:
- “I show up for myself, no matter what.”
- “I do hard things, even when I don’t feel like it.”
- “I am becoming stronger in mind, body, and spirit.”
📅 4. Get to Class 3x This Week—No Matter What.
“Show up even if your energy’s low.
Even if you’re stressed.
Especially if you’re stressed.
Movement is medicine for your mindset.”
✍️ 5. Journal One Win Per Day (No Matter How Small)
“It could be: I walked into the gym.
I paused before reacting.
I caught a negative thought before it spiraled.”
Progress becomes visible when you make it trackable.
🔥 Pick 1 and act
Choose one.
Just one of these practices.
Do it for the next 7 days.
Don’t wait to feel motivated.
Let your commitment create the momentum.
And come tell us how it’s going—because at Railroad, we care about your health.
We don’t just train bodies.
We help train the mindset that leads your life.