In today’s world, we’re bombarded with the latest exercise crazes, diet fads, and incredible weight loss stories every time we scroll through social media or turn on the TV. And let’s be honest, sometimes all this can make the idea of getting healthy feel impossible. Either the idea of starting seems so intimidating that we never do, or the changes we try to make are so drastic that we can’t keep them up for long. Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing: getting healthy doesn’t have to mean a complete life overhaul or some extreme, unsustainable changes. In fact, people often underestimate the power of small, but consistent, changes over time. Whether it’s adding in a bit of exercise a few times a week, cutting back on sugary drinks, or swapping out chips for an apple now and then—these small, steady changes can add up to big improvements in your health.
Start Small with SMART Goals
One of the hardest parts of making healthy changes is just getting started. A strategy I love to use with patients is setting one SMART goal to help kick things off. If you haven’t heard of SMART goals before, it stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based. Let’s break that down a bit:
- Specific and Measurable: These two go hand in hand and are probably the most important parts. If your goal is just to “eat healthier” or “get in shape,” it’s tough to know where to start or how to measure your progress. Instead, try making your goals specific and measurable, like “replace my afternoon soda with water four days a week” or “take a 20-minute walk five days a week.” These are clear and give you something to aim for!
- Attainable: Setting a realistic goal is key to staying motivated and not getting discouraged. If you’re currently not exercising at all, jumping straight to training for an ultramarathon might not be the best idea! Maybe start with a 5K, a mile, or even just a daily walk. And if you love dessert (like I do!), cutting it out forever would be really tough—so maybe just limit it to a few nights a week.
- Relevant: Make sure your goal is actually helping you achieve what you want and aligns with your priorities. It shouldn’t just be something you feel pressured into doing. Ask yourself, “Is this really going to help me feel better, get stronger, or be healthier?” If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track!
- Time-Based: Having a timeline is crucial. Think of something like, “For the next three months” or “by the end of the year.” A deadline helps you stay focused and gives you something to work toward. Plus, doing something consistently over time can help turn it into a habit that becomes part of your everyday routine.
Find What Works for You
SMART goals might not be the magic solution for everyone, but they’re a fantastic place to start—especially if the whole idea of getting healthier feels overwhelming. Remember, the goal isn’t to be perfect or to make a million changes overnight. It’s about finding small, manageable steps you can take toward a healthier life.
So, whether it’s drinking more water, moving a bit more, or just being mindful of what’s on your plate, know that every little bit counts.
Start where you are, use what you have, and take it one step at a time.
I hope it helps you take steps toward a long, healthy, and happy life!
