How to Make Yourself Do Hard Things and Follow Through
How to Make Yourself Do Hard Things and Follow Through
Trying to stay healthy with Type 2 diabetes isn’t easy. It can feel overwhelming—especially if you're over 40 and juggling work, family, and stress. But making progress is possible. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to take action, even when it’s hard.
Here are 10 practical ways to stay on track with your goals—even when you don’t feel like it.
1. Know Your “Why”
Why do you want to get healthier?
Your “why” gives your actions meaning. Maybe you want more energy, fewer medications, or to live longer for your kids.
💡 Action Tip: Write your reason down. Post it somewhere you’ll see it daily. A journal or vision board helps too.
📖 Research shows connecting goals to personal values improves long-term success.¹
2. Break Goals into Small Steps
Big goals like “lose weight” or “control blood sugar” can feel impossible.
Break them down.
✅ Example: Instead of “exercise every day,” start with “walk for 10 minutes after lunch on Mondays and Thursdays.”
Small wins build momentum. Every step counts.²
3. Plan for Obstacles
Life will throw challenges your way—fatigue, stress, cravings.
Expect it. Prepare for it.
✅ Example: Prep meals on weekends so you have healthy food when you're tired.
📱 Use apps like MyFitnessPal or Mealime to stay organized.
Planning reduces stress and keeps you moving forward.³
4. Rely on Discipline, Not Motivation
Motivation fades. Discipline is stronger.
Build healthy habits into your day.
💡 Try Habit Stacking: Attach a new habit to one you already do.
Example: After brushing your teeth at night, check your CGM or take your meds.
📖 Research in behavior science shows that habit stacking works well for building routines.⁴
5. Get Accountability
Having someone in your corner matters.
Accountability increases follow-through.
✅ Example: Tell a friend about your goal. Or join a group like the DT2 Solution Membership for support.
📖 A 2021 study found that accountability improves goal achievement by up to 95%.⁵
6. Use Helpful Tools
The right tools make hard things easier.
🩸 CGMs show real-time blood sugar trends.
📱 Apps like Habitica make habits fun and rewarding.
📘 Mini-Courses like Carb-Smart Living can help you learn without overwhelm.
When things feel easier, you’re more likely to keep going.
7. Be Kind to Yourself
You will slip up. That’s okay.
Health isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.
💡 Mindset Shift: See setbacks as lessons, not failures.
📖 Studies show that self-compassion improves motivation and reduces burnout.⁶
8. Visualize Success
Close your eyes. Picture your healthiest self.
Feel the energy, the confidence, the joy.
💡 Visualization keeps you emotionally connected to your goals.
It boosts confidence and keeps you moving forward—even when it’s hard.⁷
9. Celebrate Small Wins
Reward yourself when you hit a goal.
It trains your brain to enjoy the process.
🎉 Non-food Rewards:
– A new book
– A massage
– A walk in nature
Every win deserves to be acknowledged.
10. Keep Learning
The more you know, the more empowered you feel.
📘 Learn through blogs, podcasts, and courses like the Blood Sugar Solution Program.
📖 Staying informed helps you make better choices and feel confident.⁸
Final Thoughts
Doing hard things is… hard. But worth it.
When you take small, consistent steps—even on hard days—you prove to yourself that change is possible.
Don’t wait for motivation. Build systems. Use tools. Lean on support.
And most of all, give yourself credit for every effort you make.
💬 What small step can you take today to move closer to your goal? Let us know in the comments!
References
Deci, E. & Ryan, R. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits. Psychol Inq.
Fogg, B. (2020). Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything.
Thomas, J.G., et al. (2011). Behavioral weight-loss interventions. J Am Diet Assoc.
Wood, W., & Rünger, D. (2016). Habits and the role of context. Curr Dir Psychol Sci.
American Society of Training and Development (ASTD). (2011). Accountability statistics.
Neff, K. (2011). Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself.
Taylor, S.E., et al. (1998). Harnessing the imagination: Mental simulation, self-regulation, and coping. Am Psychol.
Norris, S.L., et al. (2002). Self-management education for adults with Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care.
