Hi there,

I turned 35 on October 17, and, if I'm honest, this past year has sucked, health-wise. The last few months have been particularly rough.

I've been trying to get back in shape and catch back up to my wife, fitness-wise. Thanks to a GLP-1 medication and some lifestyle changes, I'm finally back under 200 pounds. And, all things considered, I'm in better overall cardiovascular shape than a year ago. That feels significant.

But progress has been anything but straightforward.

This year, I've dealt with appendicitis twice (treated with antibiotics the first time, surgery the second), along with shin splints, a quad injury, a sprained ankle, poor mental health, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and several lengthy colds courtesy of my kids.

I've just started taking Crestor for the cholesterol and using a CPAP for the sleep apnea. I'm hopeful that treating those problems will help, but it has been frustrating to have my efforts repeatedly interrupted.

It's easy to look at all of that and feel like I'm behind. Like I should be healthier, stronger, or further along by now. (And, quite frankly, I do feel/think that way on a daily basis.)

But perhaps part of getting healthier at 35 is learning that progress doesn't only count when it follows the plan.

I'm under 200 pounds. I'm treating problems I might previously have ignored. I'm making changes. And, despite everything, I'm still trying.

That isn't nothing.

A few things I want to recommend

This time, I'm not recommending a book, product, or productivity tool. I'm recommending that you take your physical and mental health seriously.

If this email is the nudge you need to start therapy, schedule a sleep test, talk honestly with your doctor, or move a little more throughout the day, then great.

And please don't view the need for medication (or any other legitimate treatment) as a sign of weakness. Taking a GLP-1 medication, starting Crestor, going to therapy, or sleeping with a CPAP doesn't mean I've failed. It means I'm using the help available to me.

None of this is medical advice. It's simply encouragement to pay attention to what your body and mind are telling you, and to seek appropriate help instead of trying to tough everything out alone.

So, here's my question for you:

What's one piece of progress you're proud of, even if it arrived later or messier than you wanted?

Hit reply and tell me. One sentence is plenty. With permission, I'd love to share a few answers in the next Steele Notes.

Take care of yourself,

Josh