I've finally broken down those mental barriers
Before Slimpod, my life was all about unhealthy habits.
Listen to John's episode
After a restructure at my previous organisation, I had started a new remote position in 2022. In July 2023 I needed to catch a flight for a work trip and I realised the airplane seatbelt only just fit. I knew I had to do something. I had seen Slimpod mentioned on Facebook, and liked the fact that it did not seem like it was treating us as though the main reason for people’s weight loss problems was a simple lack of knowledge. I had done a few other programmes in the past, but in hindsight I think I let myself and a more limited view of myself get in my own way.
In my first week of Slimpod, I made an unplanned change that left me completely surprised. Prior to Slimpod, I would regularly get two cases of diet soft drink with my weekly grocery deliveries – and I would regularly run out before my next weekly delivery. My consumption quickly reduced dramatically, and I did not continue such purchasing habits from my next delivery. As well as the food I would purchase in my groceries changing, the frequency I ordered home delivery meals has also decreased from twice per week to less than once a month.
Prior to Slimpod, I would regularly get two cases of diet soft drink with my weekly grocery deliveries – My consumption quickly reduced dramatically, and I did not continue such purchasing habits from my next delivery.
The Slimpod programme has also helped me with my confidence and self-esteem.
At the start of 2024 after the tasks I found myself undertaking at work were changing, I decided to increase my skills by returning to university on a part-time basis. I was initially looking for something relating to data and programming. Due to the mechanics of university funding in Australia where I live, I realised I could apply for a subsidised place to study a Graduate Certificate in Applied Artificial Intelligence. I was not convinced that I would get in – or in hindsight perhaps afraid that I would – so I filled out the online application form, uploaded my supporting documentation, thought of what I had learned from listening to Confidence Pod (an optional, discounted purchase for those doing the Slimpod programme) and pressed submit. At the time of writing, I have now completed my first two subjects with High Distinctions in each.
The Transformation: I’m building a life that feels fulfilling and sustainable.
I most definitely could see health benefits, reducing from size 2XL or 3XL shirts and size 40 jeans to regularly wearing size L shirts and size 30 jeans. However, I could see other benefits in other areas of my life. Thus more recently, I have started an interesting experiment with the way I think of Slimpod. I had developed a strategy of deliberately interrupting myself when noticing I was about to indulge in a habit I would prefer to move away from in terms of eating, drinking and exercise. However, I realised that this strategy did not need to be limited to these areas. I could use them for any habits. Catching myself in the moment of contemplation, I can ask myself which cost I would prefer to pay, either the cost of knowing myself as the former limited version of myself I am trying to move away from, or the cost of the effort required to make a change – which may be as simple as ignoring the confectionery available at the supermarket checkout. Having previously only focused on the efforts required to make change, it’s been a shock to realise that there is a cost associated with not making a change.
I Approach Life with a Growth Mindset
While I have most definitely witnessed myself and many other Slimpodders transition to smaller size clothing. However, I now look at Slimpod as a personal-development programme disguised as a weight loss programme. And while I have most enjoyed trying on smaller sizes, for me Slimpod is now much more about trying on a new version of myself. My life has changed for the better due to Slimpod, and I would like to thank Sandra, the Slimpod staff, Slimpod community as well as my family and good friends Ronald and Tiina for their support of my pursuits of the best version of myself.
I Feel Excited About the Future
If I could give advice to anyone considering Slimpod, it would be this: Don’t underestimate the power of small, consistent changes. You don’t have to move the whole mountain today. Just focus on carrying away one small stone at a time. And remember, this isn’t just a weight-loss programme—it’s an opportunity to discover a new version of yourself.
I've finally broken down
those mental barriers
I've finally broken down
those mental barriers
John Burns’s story
My big wake-up call came last year during a business trip. I hadn’t been on a plane for almost a year, and when I tried to buckle my seatbelt, I realised I could barely get it done up. That moment hit me hard. It wasn’t just the embarrassment—it was the realisation that I needed to make a change, and I needed to do it fast.
After I got home, I started looking online. That’s when I stumbled across some ads on Facebook talking about mindset and healthy eating. It wasn’t the usual “lose weight fast” stuff—it was something different. The Slimpod programme caught my eye, and I thought, “Why not give it a shot?”
I wasn’t sure it would work, but at that point, I felt like I had nothing to lose. In the past, I’ve tried countless ways to lose weight. Some worked for a little while, but none of them were sustainable. Maybe 15 years ago, I did one of those meal replacement shake diets.
Sure, I lost weight—quite a bit, actually—but as soon as I went back to eating regular food, the weight came right back. It was a quick fix, not a lasting solution. I even tried hypnosis at one point, but nothing really stuck.
When I started Slimpod, I honestly thought I was signing up for a weight-loss programme. But I quickly realised it was something much bigger than that. It’s not just about losing weight—it’s a self-development programme disguised as a weight-loss programme. And that’s exactly what I needed.
Before Slimpod, my life was all about unhealthy habits. Some days, after a long day of working from home, I’d reward myself with a big takeaway. Korean fried chicken was my go-to, and I’d conveniently ignore the fact that the restaurant sent two sets of chopsticks, assuming the order was for two people.
On top of that, I’d get two cases of Pepsi Max delivered with my groceries every week—and still run out before the next delivery. Looking back, it’s no wonder I felt sluggish and out of control.
As I described in The Weight’s Over: Take Back Control, everything started to change within the first week of Slimpod. One of my biggest wins was cutting my Pepsi Max consumption by 95%.
I couldn’t believe it. It felt so good to take back control of something that had been a daily crutch for years. That small victory gave me the confidence to keep going.
Over time, the changes added up. My grocery shopping transformed—I started buying healthier foods and stopped relying on takeaways. What used to be a twice-a-week habit became a rare treat, maybe once a month. And the weight started coming off. So far, I’ve lost 15 kilograms (about 2 stone 5 pounds). It’s not just about the number on the scale, though. For the first time in my life, I feel like I’m truly in control.
One of the things I love most about this journey is how it’s changed my mindset. I’ve always carried emotional baggage and limiting beliefs, though I didn’t realise it at the time. I used to think, “This is just who I am. I’ll always be the guy in 2XL tops and size 40 trousers.” But Slimpod helped me see that those beliefs were holding me back. They weren’t truths—they were just stories I was telling myself.
It’s like Confucius said: “To move a mountain, begin by carrying away small stones.” At first, the idea of losing 50 kilograms felt impossible. But then I thought, “What if I just lose one kilogram—50 times?” That shift in perspective made all the difference. It wasn’t about tackling the whole mountain at once. It was about taking small, consistent steps.
Losing weight has been incredible, of course. Trying on smaller clothes and realising they fit is a fantastic feeling. I’ve gone from size 40 jeans to a size that actually feels comfortable, and I no longer feel the need to hide in oversized clothes. But the real transformation has been on the inside.
This journey has been about trying on new versions of myself—versions I didn’t even know were possible.
When I think back to how it all started, it’s clear that the timing was perfect. After the pandemic, my old workplace announced we could return to the office. But just a few weeks later, they told us there’d be a restructure, and my position was at risk. That uncertainty hung over me for months. Eventually, I was called into a meeting with HR and told my job would no longer exist. I was lucky to find a new position quickly, but it was a remote role, so I was still working from home every day.
The isolation of remote work didn’t help my habits. I wasn’t getting out much, and my routines revolved around convenience and comfort. That’s when I saw the Slimpod ads on Facebook and decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that weight loss isn’t just about diet and exercise—it’s about mindset. Before Slimpod, I thought I needed more willpower. But what I really needed was a different way of thinking. Slimpod helped me uncover and address the limiting beliefs that were keeping me stuck. It showed me that the problem wasn’t a lack of knowledge about healthy eating—I already knew what I should be doing. The problem was the mental and emotional barriers I’d built up over the years.
Now, I approach life with a growth mindset. I’m no longer afraid to step out of my comfort zone, both literally and figuratively. I’ve started walking more, and those walks have become a time for reflection and self-care. Exercise isn’t a chore anymore—it’s something I genuinely enjoy.
Of course, this journey hasn’t been without its challenges. There have been moments of doubt and setbacks along the way. But each time, I’ve reminded myself that progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency and resilience. And the support from the Slimpod community has been invaluable. Knowing I’m not alone in this journey has made all the difference.
Looking ahead, I know the journey isn’t over. But for the first time, I feel excited about the future. I’m not chasing a number on the scale—I’m building a life that feels fulfilling and sustainable.
The physical changes are great, but the real reward is the sense of control and confidence I’ve gained. That’s why I was so delighted to share my success in The Weight’s Over: Take Back Control.
If I could give advice to anyone considering Slimpod, it would be this: Don’t underestimate the power of small, consistent changes. You don’t have to move the whole mountain today. Just focus on carrying away one small stone at a time. And remember, this isn’t just a weight-loss programme—it’s an opportunity to discover a new version of yourself.e
