Lifestyle Changes Don't Have to be All-or-Nothing

You probably think changing your lifestyle has to be done overnight, right? Wrong.

Changing your lifestyle should be done in bits and pieces. It can actually be quite overwhelming to change everything all at once ... which is why many people struggle with changing the way they live. It's hard to pick a place to start, or maybe there are so many things that someone wants to change and they feel they need to do it all at once. (You really don't have to do that).

Instead of having an all-or-nothing mindset with lifestyle change, let's focus on one thing at a time. This will spare a huge stress load, and make the process more enjoyable. Baby steps!

Maybe you want to start getting 10,000 steps, but your daily average is 2,000 ... How about aiming for 5,000 instead? You're still increasing your step count, but at a more reasonable goal (adding a steady-pace mile walk into your day will help you get around 3,000 steps - and it doesn't have to be a mile all at once - break it into 15-20 minute increments). Once you're consistent with 5,000, then start aiming for 7,000-8,000 ... and so on.

Realistically, if you're not able to even hit 5,000 per day, on an average day, then you will definitely not be hitting 10,000. Setting the bar too high will only lead to frustration, and many of us give up on our goals due to this. Unfortunately, many of us are more sedentary (we mostly sit throughout the day) than we should be - and it shows in our step counts. So, aim for more movement, but also something that's more attainable for your current lifestyle!

Maybe you want to start eating healthier, but you just don't have time to cook everyday. Prep your protein in advance! It helps a lot, and you can typically prep 4-5 days worth of protein for your week. Having your protein prepped makes meals a lot easier - you can top it on lettuce and veggies for a salad; maybe throw it on a plate with some pasta, potatoes, or rice; have a nice protein-packed and nutrient-dense sandwich instead of using deli meat (more protein!); make a stir fry.

You could boil some eggs to take with you on-the-go if you don't have time to make breakfast in the morning before work. Maybe pack a yogurt and some fruit to go along with it the night before, and then eat it once you arrive at work.

Even if it's just one meal per day, it's one meal that you aren't ordering from a fast food restaurant. Start small, and then expand!

If your goal is to exercise more, but you struggle to even get in 30 minutes, then start with 10-15 minutes of movement. Whether this movement be a walk, or some sort of resistance training, maybe even body weight workouts ... any amount of time that is more than what you're currently doing is better than nothing.

Remember, these small habit changes will lead to bigger habit changes. Once you enjoy movement, you will end up wanting to incorporate more movement into your life.

If you're not picking up what I'm putting down .... the point is, small changes lead to bigger results. Starting off small is not a bad thing. If anything, it makes the process of change more enjoyable. You will be less likely to give up on yourself and your goals if you break your bigger picture into smaller pictures.

Start with one thing at a time, too, as trying to make changes to everything all at once can also be overwhelming. Pick one goal you'd like to work on, and stick to that one goal. If your goal is to be more consistent with something, keep working on it until you get that consistency. Once you're consistent for at least a month or two, then start to change things again to help you reach the bigger picture ... and so on.

You will eventually obtain the lifestyle you'd like to have. There is no given timeframe that is right or wrong in order to get there. The best way to reach a lifestyle goal is to do it in a way where you don't feel overwhelmed and are able to keep up with the consistency. Continue moving through at your own pace!