This week, we’re diving into the messy, human middle between “grit” and “grace,” the space where real change actually happens. I share how I’m navigating life five-and-a-half weeks postpartum while still training, plus Amy and Meri break down clear, practical definitions of grit, grace, and the sneaky ways perfectionism and “toxic grace” can derail us. If you’ve ever graced yourself right out the door of trying, or white-knuckled a plan until it broke or you broke it, you’ll feel seen (and get tools to do it differently).

We also talk self-sabotage patterns, the “I deserve it” mindset, sleep in tricky seasons (perimenopause, newborn life), and how to build flexibility within structure so your habits survive real life. Expect tough love, compassionate nuance, and a reminder that consistent, good-enough action beats the “perfect plan” done inconsistently, every time.

“Grit is showing up for yourself even when it’s boring or busy; grace is the calm that lets you adjust without quitting.”

- Amy Rudolph

“Good enough most of the time will take you farther than perfect once in a while.”

- Iris Deadlifts

This week on Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:

• Clear, practical definitions of grit vs. grace (and how they work together)
• Spotting toxic grace (endless passes) and toxic grit (perfectionism)
• The self-sabotage cycle: “I deserve it” and “last-supper” thinking
• Flexibility within structure: checkpoints help, but they’re not the goal
• Sleep in tough seasons: when to move your body vs. when to truly rest
• Postpartum reality check: adjust the dial, don’t drop the habit
• Compare-and-despair: why “should” invites perfection and quitting

Connect with Us:

• Meri on Instagram
• Iris Deadlifts on Instagram
• Amy Rudolph on Instagram
• Maintenance Masterclass Episode
• When to take a Maintenance Break?

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

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Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram, Meri on Instagram, and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.