WEEK 8: APRIL 22 – APRIL 28
It honestly feels surreal that this is already Week 8 of the project. Looking back at the beginning, I remember doubting whether I could stay consistent for this long. There were weeks where I struggled with motivation, busy schedules, and physical exhaustion, but reaching the final week made me realize how much progress can happen through small repeated actions over time.
This week, my goal was to complete:
5 yoga sessions
10,000 steps at least 3 times
I successfully completed all 5 yoga sessions and exceeded my walking goal by reaching 10,000 steps on 4 different days this week.
My 10,000-step days this week were:
Wednesday, April 22 – 10,345 steps
Thursday, April 23 – 10,824 steps
Saturday, April 25 – 16,239 steps
Tuesday, April 28 – 11,968 steps
One thing that made this week especially meaningful for me was reaching my highest step count throughout the entire project on April 25 with more than 16,000 steps. Honestly, I felt really proud of myself after seeing that number because it reflected how much my stamina and consistency improved compared to the earlier weeks. At the start of the project, even reaching 10,000 steps felt difficult sometimes. By Week 8, I was able to go far beyond my original goal.
I also noticed that physical activity already felt more integrated into my lifestyle instead of something I had to constantly force myself to do. Earlier in the project, I needed reminders and mental preparation just to start sessions. This week felt different because movement already felt like a normal part of my routine.
Another thing I realized is that my mindset toward exercise changed throughout the project. Before, I usually viewed workouts as something stressful or tiring that I “had” to do. Now, I see them more as a way to take care of myself physically and mentally. Even during busy or stressful days, yoga and walking became activities that helped me feel calmer and more focused afterward.
This week also reminded me how important consistency is in behavior modification. According to Clear (2018), lasting habits are usually built through small repeated behaviors rather than sudden dramatic changes. Looking back on the entire 8 weeks, I think the biggest reason I improved was not because I was perfect every single day, but because I kept returning to the routine even after difficult days or interruptions.
Physically, I can clearly see improvements in my flexibility, endurance, and balance compared to Week 1. Some yoga poses that felt impossible or uncomfortable before now feel much easier and more controlled. Mentally, I also think I became more disciplined and patient with myself. I learned that progress does not always happen quickly, but consistency eventually creates noticeable change.
Reaching Week 8 made me realize that behavior change is not about becoming perfect overnight. It is about building routines that can realistically fit into daily life and continuing even when motivation changes. There were definitely weeks that felt harder than others, but continuing despite those challenges became one of the most important lessons of this entire experience.
Overall, I would describe Week 8 as fulfilling, reflective, and rewarding. Ending the project by surpassing my walking goal and completing another full week of yoga made me feel proud of the progress I worked hard for over the past two months.
Summary of the Week
What I Need to Improve On
Continuing to challenge myself physically after the project ends
Maintaining consistency even without project deadlines
Improving endurance for longer and more difficult routines
What I Need to Maintain
My consistent exercise schedule
The discipline I built throughout the project
Using movement as a healthy stress-management strategy
What I Need to Get Rid Of
Underestimating my ability to stay consistent
Thinking progress only matters when results are immediate
Relying too much on temporary motivation
Recommendations for the Following Weeks
Even though the official project is ending, I want to continue the habits I built during these 8 weeks. I realized that consistency becomes easier once routines become part of daily life. Moving forward, I want to continue yoga and regular walking not just for academic requirements, but because I genuinely noticed positive changes in my physical health, mood, confidence, and discipline.
