Why Can’t I Just Follow Through on Health Goals Now?


Why Can’t I Just Follow Through on Health Goals?

We’ve all been there. Full of good intentions and a fresh set of health goals, ready to change our lives for the better. Yet, somehow, life gets in the way, and our determination fizzles out. Most of us know what we need to do: eat better, move more, drink water, reduce stress and get enough sleep. The benefits are clear, so why is it so hard to stick to these plans?

When someone wants to lose weight, it’s easy to simplify the solution: just eat less, choose healthier foods, and exercise. But if it were truly that simple, the world would be full of fit and healthy people. The reality is, sustaining health goals requires more than just knowledge or willpower.

The Basics of Health

The human body thrives on a few foundational practices:

However, according to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), only about 3% of Americans meet the benchmarks of not smoking, being active for at least 30 minutes five days a week, and eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Clearly, knowing what’s good for us isn’t enough.

Why Knowledge Alone Isn’t the Answer

Knowledge is important, but it’s rarely sufficient to achieve lasting behavior change. Telling yourself over and over to “just eat better” or “exercise more” doesn’t address the root of the problem.

For instance, most people know broccoli is healthier than chips, yet many still reach for chips when stress hits. As one wise eight-year-old famously remarked, “I have to be pretty hungry to eat a banana, but I want a cookie for all kinds of reasons.”

This simple truth underscores a key point: health decisions are rarely just about logic. They’re tied to emotions, habits, and even past experiences.

Finding Your “Why”

To stick to health goals, you need to uncover your intrinsic motivation—your personal “why.” This should come from within, not from external pressures or expectations. Your “why” gives purpose to your efforts and keeps you grounded when challenges arise.

Start Small

Rather than setting massive, overwhelming goals, break them down into smaller, achievable milestones. For example, if your goal is to exercise more, start with 10 minutes a day rather than an hour. Celebrate these small wins—they build momentum and confidence.

Address Emotional Barriers

Health behaviors are deeply influenced by mental and emotional factors. Many of us are caught in cycles of on-again, off-again habits, leading to frustration and self-blame. Over time, we label ourselves as “lazy” or “unmotivated.”

These labels ignore the complex emotional drivers behind our actions. Stress, past trauma, or even a lack of self-compassion can derail the best intentions. Instead of creating rigid rules based solely on knowledge, explore what’s driving your current behaviors.

The Role of Resilience

Changing habits is not a straight path—it’s a journey with setbacks and challenges. Be prepared to face obstacles, and remind yourself that these challenges are part of the process. As Marcus Aurelius wisely said, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”

Practical Steps for Building Resilience

  1. Plan Ahead: Identify potential obstacles and create strategies to overcome them. For instance, if you struggle with late-night snacking, prepare healthier options in advance.
  2. Be Kind to Yourself: Negative self-talk only undermines your efforts. Treat yourself with the same compassion and encouragement you’d offer a friend.
  3. Reconnect with Your “Why”: Write it down, keep it visible, and revisit it when motivation wanes.
  4. Bounce Back Quickly: Everyone has slip-ups. The key is to avoid letting one bad day spiral into a week of giving up.

Final Thoughts

The journey to better health is not about perfection—it’s about persistence. Real change happens when you align your actions with your values, stay flexible, and cultivate resilience.

Remember: you are worthy of the effort. Treat yourself with the respect and care you deserve. Your health is not just about checking boxes; it’s about building a life that feels fulfilling and vibrant.


References:

  • Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • “Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior” by Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan
  • “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear


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