A Journey of Transformation: Embracing the Scrum Methodology in Life

In a world where success in improving my health felt unattainable despite trying various diets, workout plans, and weight loss strategies, my desire to overcome obesity burned deep within me. I longed for a transformative path, but it remained elusive until I discovered an unexpected solution: Agile Scrum. Agile Scrum became a beacon of hope, igniting a fire within me and propelling my fitness journey with remarkable speed and efficiency. In this article, I will share the incredible story of how Agile Scrum revolutionized my approach to fitness, allowing me to sprint towards a healthier, fitter life.

In the depths of the night, a realization struck me. I pondered on how I had been utilizing these effective techniques in project execution, and a thought sparked within me: Why not create a project for myself to overcome my health issues caused by high body fat? It wasn't merely a health nightmare; it had also taken a toll on my confidence, plagued by the constant fear of being body shamed. With determination, I made the decision to embark on a transformative journey, calling it "Project Lean," employing the principles of Agile Scrum.

Embracing Change: Rewriting Life's Rulebook

Just like any successful Scrum project, my fitness journey started with a clear vision. I defined my health goals, visualized my desired outcomes, and committed to making a lasting change. With a compelling vision in mind, I was ready to embark on my Agile Scrum-inspired fitness journey.

My vision encompassed achieving a specific body weight (like loose 3-4 kg), revitalizing my energy levels to overcome persistent fatigue, and regaining the ability to ride my motorcycle without experiencing discomfort in my lower back. To translate this vision into actionable steps, I devised a well-structured plan divided into smaller sprints lasting three weeks each. This timeframe allowed my body to undergo noticeable changes, further motivating and inspiring me along my fitness journey.

Sprint Planning: Charting the Course to Greatness

In the world of Scrum, sprint planning is crucial for setting achievable goals within a defined timeframe. I applied this concept to my fitness routine by setting short-term goals for each sprint.?

During my typical sprint planning, I follow these steps:

• Creating tasks on a physical board.
• Setting up a workout plan that includes both cardio and strength training.
• Designing a meal plan focused on simplicity, where I eat the same meals for three weeks. This consists of a high protein and medium carbohydrate diet, ensuring a caloric deficit of 300 calories below my Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE).
• Prioritizing sleep as a crucial aspect of recovery. I fixed my sleep duration to 8 hours, adjusting the bedtime based on my work schedule.

After four weeks of inconsistency, I finally commenced Sprint 1. This sprint lasted for three months, during which I achieved noticeable results. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, gym closures presented a challenge, but I was fortunate to have access to my friend's personal gym located on his terrace, which had sufficient equipment for my workouts.

Daily Stand-ups:? Reframing Progress, One Day at a Time

Drawing inspiration from the daily stand-up practice in Scrum, I incorporated a similar approach into my fitness routine. Every day, I dedicated a few minutes to reflect on my progress, identify challenges, and determine necessary adjustments to stay on track. This practice of self-accountability heightened my awareness and empowered me to make timely course corrections.

Despite the overwhelming negativity stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, including news of deaths and the impact of lockdowns, Agile principles taught me that even on difficult days, small progress is still progress. It was during these moments that I encountered mental barriers and found myself on the verge of giving up. However, I persevered, reminding myself of the importance of staying committed to my fitness goals and pushing through the challenging times.

Iterative Approach:? Embracing the Art of Trial and Triumph

Scrum's iterative nature became the backbone of my fitness journey. Rather than expecting immediate, drastic results, I embraced small, incremental changes. Just as Scrum teams deliver valuable increments of work, I celebrated small wins along the way, which fueled my motivation and sustained my momentum.

Continuous Improvement:

One of the core tenets of Agile is continuous improvement, and I embraced this principle wholeheartedly. By regularly evaluating my progress, learning from setbacks, and adjusting my approach, I ensured that my fitness journey evolved in the most effective and sustainable way possible.

Collaboration and Support:

Scrum thrives on collaboration and teamwork, and I sought support from like-minded individuals. Whether through workout partners, fitness communities, or online forums, I surrounded myself with a supportive network that provided encouragement, shared experiences, and offered valuable insights. This collaborative environment proved essential in overcoming obstacles and staying motivated.

Special mention to. Luke Coutinho , Jitendra Chouksey and his FITTR community which has been an invaluable source of support and guidance. His book LOSE FAT, GET FITTR: THE SIMPLE SCIENCE OF STAYING HEALTHY FOR LIFE , served as my blueprint for designing my workout routines and diet plans. The knowledge and insights shared in his book provided me with a solid foundation and played a significant role in my transformation.

Retrospectives and Reflections:

Regularly conducting personal retrospectives, inspired by Scrum's retrospective practice, proved invaluable in my fitness journey. During these reflections, I analyzed what worked well, identified areas for improvement, and optimized my approach for the next sprint. This process allowed me to refine my fitness routine and continuously enhance my results.

In my typical retrospective, I evaluated the past three weeks of my fitness journey. While minimal changes were observed in the absence of social feasts or special occasions, the most challenging aspect for me was navigating my relationship with food. After years of indulging in unhealthy eating habits, adopting a strict regimen felt foreign to my mind, creating resistance to this drastic shift. Overcoming this mental barrier required the implementation of various mind hacks, tailored to my individual preferences and needs. Experimentation with different approaches to food became essential as I aimed to conquer this challenge and establish healthier habits.

Conclusion:

My journey through life, entwined with the Scrum methodology, has been a symphony of personal growth and astonishing transformation. By embracing the principles of Scrum, I discovered that by simplifying and breaking down my goals into smaller, sustainable targets, I could achieve remarkable outcomes.

Results: Through my journey, I successfully reduced my weight from 134 kg with 47% body fat to 86 kg with 25% body fat. Additionally, I gained muscle, further enhancing my overall fitness and well-being.

I hope this article has ignited your curiosity and inspired you to explore the power of Scrum in achieving your personal goals. Scrum is a remarkable tool that can propel you toward success in various aspects of life. By embracing its principles, you can unlock your full potential and embark on a journey of remarkable achievements. Give Scrum a try and witness its transformative impact first-hand