Achieving Goals Can Be Hard

Achieving Goals Can Be Hard—Here’s How to Succeed

For women living with Type 2 diabetes or other chronic conditions, setting and reaching health goals can feel overwhelming. Many of us start the year full of hope. We make resolutions to eat better, exercise, or lower blood sugar. But somewhere along the way, life gets in the way.

Busy schedules, family stress, and low energy can make it hard to stay on track. If you're trying to lose weight, manage your blood sugar, or feel better day to day, the key is to take small, consistent steps. Real change takes mindset, action, and support.

Let’s break down how you can succeed—one step at a time.

Why Is It So Hard to Reach Goals?

Goals are more than wishes. They take time, effort, and the courage to change. If you're managing a chronic illness, you're also juggling health, family, work, and stress. That’s a lot.

For example, maybe you want to lower your blood sugar. The first step is being honest about what’s not working and being willing to try something new.

Step 1: Make a Choice

Every goal starts with a choice. You either choose to act or choose to stay the same. Both choices have consequences.

• Be intentional. Pick a goal that really matters to you. Don’t try to lose weight just because someone else thinks you should. Instead, focus on your own reasons—like feeling more energetic or avoiding future complications.

• Own your decision. Choosing not to act is still a decision. If nothing changes, nothing changes. Decide what you want and take full responsibility.

Ask yourself: Am I ready to do what it takes? Change requires effort. But it also leads to freedom and health.

Step 2: Connect to Your “Why”

When things get hard—and they will—your “why” helps you stay focused.

• Make it personal. Your “why” should come from your heart. Maybe you want to avoid insulin. Maybe you want to live longer for your children. Maybe you just want to feel like yourself again.

• Don’t do it for others. Goals set to please others don’t last. Do it because your life matters to you.

Your “why” is your anchor. When you feel discouraged, remember your reason for starting.

Step 3: Build Confidence by Learning

Many goals fail because we don’t feel ready. But confidence comes from action and learning.

• Learn from mistakes. If a diet didn’t work, it doesn’t mean you failed. It means you found one way that didn’t fit you. Learn and adjust.

• Grow your skills. Read about diabetes management, take a healthy cooking class, or join a support group. The more you know, the stronger you’ll feel.

• Try new things. Hate jogging? Try dancing, walking, or water aerobics. Find what works for you.

Your Mindset Matters

For women with diabetes or other chronic conditions, mindset is everything. A positive mindset helps you stay strong when life gets hard.

• Be grateful. Celebrate what your body can do. If you walked for 10 minutes today, that’s a win.

• Let go of perfection. Perfection is not the goal. Progress is. Small steps lead to big changes.

• Visualize success. Picture yourself feeling healthier, sleeping better, or walking without pain. That mental picture helps keep you motivated.

It’s About the Journey

The outcome matters, but how you get there is just as important. The process shapes you. It builds your courage, discipline, and resilience.

• Celebrate the effort. Cooked a healthy meal? That counts. Took a walk? That counts too.

• Keep your purpose in front of you. Put reminders on your mirror or fridge. Keep a journal. Keep your “why” visible.

• See setbacks as lessons. Every obstacle teaches you something. Don’t quit—just learn and keep going.

Take Action

Now it’s time to act. You’ve made a choice. You know your “why.” You’re learning and growing. Don’t wait for the perfect time—start now.

• Start small. Choose one thing to change. Swap a sugary snack for a handful of nuts. Walk for 10 minutes after dinner.

• Be consistent. Do a little every day. That’s how real change happens.

• Track your wins. Keep a journal or checklist. Celebrate every small victory. It builds momentum and boosts motivation.

Remember: Doing nothing is still a choice. Choose progress. Choose health.

Final Thoughts

Achieving goals takes effort. But it’s worth it. When you focus on your choices, stay connected to your purpose, and keep learning, success becomes possible.

Start today. Take one small step forward. Each step brings you closer to the life—and the health—you deserve.

References

1. Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior.

2. American Psychological Association (2025). "The Science of Goal Setting and Achievement."

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2025). "Strategies for Healthy Living."

4. Harvard Business Review (2025). "The Power of Small Wins."

Want Help Getting Started?

The Blood Sugar Solution is an 8-week course designed to help people with diabetes take charge of their health. Whether you’re struggling with Type 2 diabetes, weight gain, or energy crashes, this program gives you the tools you need.

Through expert guidance, easy-to-follow lessons, and real-life support, you’ll learn how to lower blood sugar, reduce medications, and feel like yourself again.