The One Change That Finally Helped Me Stick to a Healthy Routine

I Used to Think I Had to go All In

For the longest time, I thought if I wanted to get healthy, I had to go all in. I’d tell myself, “This is it. I’m starting Monday.” Then I’d make a huge plan: clean out the fridge, prep all my meals, do an intense workout schedule, drink a gallon of water, stop eating after 7, start journaling, meditate… you get the idea. And to be honest, that version of me usually lasted about three or four days.

The Guilt Spiral Was Always Waiting

Eventually, I’d miss something — maybe I didn’t work out or I grabbed fast food instead of cooking — and that little voice in my head would say, “See? You can’t stick to anything.” Cue the guilt spiral. I’d stop everything and wait for the next Monday to start over again, convinced that this time I’d get it right. Sound familiar?

The Truth That Changed Everything

It took me years to realize the truth: starting small isn’t a cop-out. It’s the smartest, most sustainable way to begin. When I finally let go of the pressure to do everything perfectly, I gave myself permission to just try one thing. I chose water. One glass in the morning. That’s it. Then I started going on short walks — not for steps or weight loss, just to move my body and clear my head. No big expectations, no “plan,” just one small choice at a time. And you know what? Those tiny changes gave me something I hadn’t felt in a long time: momentum.

Why “Go Big or Go Home” Doesn’t Work

We live in a culture that praises extremes. Push harder. Hustle more. Cut everything out. But most of us don’t need more intensity — we need something that’s actually doable. Small changes work because they don’t overwhelm you. They fit into your real life — the one with errands, stress, kids, work, and unexpected chaos. Small choices are easier to repeat, and that repetition builds consistency. And consistency is what leads to progress.

Try This Instead

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the things you “should” be doing, I want to offer a different approach. Instead of writing out a strict plan, ask yourself: What’s one simple thing I can do this week that feels supportive, not stressful? Maybe it’s adding a vegetable to your lunch. Maybe it’s a 10-minute walk after dinner. Maybe it’s getting to bed 30 minutes earlier. Whatever it is, start there.

What’s one simple thing I can do this week that feels supportive, not stressful? 

You’re Not Behind — You’re Building

You don’t need to do everything at once. You just need to take one step. That’s how real, lasting change happens — not from dramatic overhauls, but from small, consistent actions that build trust in yourself.

You’re not behind. You’re not failing. You’re building something sustainable, and that takes time. Give yourself permission to start small, and keep showing up. You’re doing better than you think — and you’re not doing it alone.

Want Support While You Start Small?

If this message spoke to you—if you’re tired of starting over and ready to try something that feels real—I’d love to invite you to join my online community, Lift & Be Uplifted.

It’s a beginner-friendly space for women who are starting (or restarting) their health journey and want support, structure, and encouragement without the pressure to be perfect. We focus on small, sustainable habits, strength-building, and mindset shifts that actually last.

You’ll get live workouts, weekly coaching, check-ins, blog posts like this, and an uplifting community to keep you going—even on the hard days.

Click here to join Lift & Be Uplifted.