"Just Start" – Making 2025 Your Healthiest Year Yet

As 2025 draws near, it’s safe to say that health is at the top of many of our New Year’s resolution lists. We all want to be healthier—it’s just that sometimes, life throws enough curveballs to make us seriously reconsider that gym membership we’ve been paying for. Whether it’s a hectic work schedule, family obligations, or just the wear and tear of daily life, staying committed to our health goals can feel like an impossible task. With the rise of health tech gadgets, meal prep services, home fitness gear, and a constant stream of health influencers popping up everywhere, it’s clear that many of us are eager to make positive changes in our lives. The problem, however, isn’t necessarily the “why”—it’s the “how.” How do we make these changes stick? How do we juggle everything while working towards a healthier lifestyle? With the constant hustle of daily life and the challenges posed by the healthcare system, it’s easy to feel lost or even overwhelmed, as if we’re trying to navigate a maze with no clear path. We know we want to make a change, but finding the right way to begin can feel like a challenge we’re not quite prepared for. But here’s the good news: the key to starting is behavior change.

Behavior change, particularly when it comes to your lifestyle, is all about reshaping habits, attitudes, and actions to improve your health in a sustainable way. It sounds daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. We often hear about people making drastic, overnight changes—transforming their entire lives with one fell swoop. But in reality, long-term change doesn’t come from doing everything perfectly or all at once. It’s about taking small, manageable steps toward improvement, focusing on building habits that stick rather than overwhelming yourself with unrealistic expectations. Often, the secret is just replacing old, unhelpful habits (like late-night snacking or skipping workouts) with healthier alternatives. Even better, you can focus on adding positive habits to the routines you’ve already established—like adding an extra serving of vegetables to your dinner. These changes don’t require you to start from scratch; they simply build upon the foundation you’ve already created in your day-to-day life. Start small and build from there. Over time, these new habits will naturally crowd out the old ones.

It’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t see instant results, but it’s about staying the course, even when progress feels slow. And let’s be honest—this isn’t a solo mission. Your environment, support from others, and a little bit of self-confidence go a long way. Surround yourself with people who inspire and encourage you to be your best self. Share your goals with friends and family (and health coach!) and let them hold you accountable. This can make a world of difference, especially when you’re feeling unmotivated or stuck.

Now, before you get overwhelmed by the idea of overhauling your entire lifestyle, let me assure you: change doesn’t require you to turn your life upside down. Remember, it’s about taking small, manageable steps that gradually build over time. Start with one habit. For example, instead of trying to drink eight cups of water a day right off the bat, just aim for one glass every morning. This simple act can start your day off right, and as it becomes a habit, you’ll naturally increase your water intake. Another example: Pair your new habit with something you already do. Like, sneak in five squats while brushing your teeth (your dentist will be impressed). Combining activities you already do with new habits makes the process feel less daunting and more seamless. This strategy works because it doesn’t require a complete rethinking of your routine. You’re simply finding ways to build on what’s already working for you.

Be specific with your goals. Instead of a vague resolution like “exercise more,” aim for a concrete plan, such as “I will go for a 10-minute walk after lunch at 12:30 p.m.” You’re already halfway there just by planning it! And when you make your goals specific, it becomes much easier to follow through. Keep your workout clothes ready to go, so you can get moving as soon as you feel that burst of motivation—or when you remember you’ve planned to exercise. Setting yourself up for success means making your goals as easy as possible to achieve. You can also track your progress, whether it’s in an app, a notebook, or a trusty sticky note on your fridge. Monitoring your progress provides a sense of accomplishment and helps keep you on track.

Don’t forget to celebrate those little wins! Taking time to recognize your achievements, no matter how small, is crucial for maintaining motivation. Maybe you treat yourself to a new book or an extra 10 minutes of me-time for every week you stick to your plan. Celebrating these moments boosts your confidence and reinforces the positive behaviors you’re cultivating. And if you slip up (because we all do), be kind to yourself. Perfection isn’t the goal—consistency is. When you’re able to be forgiving with yourself, it becomes much easier to get back on track. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about progress.

For me, I’ve learned that when I’m feeling overwhelmed or low on energy, I tell myself, “just start.” Giving myself permission to begin, even if it’s not perfect, has been one of the best gifts I’ve given myself. The “all or nothing” approach? Toss it. I’ve found that setting smaller, realistic goals has helped me make steady progress without the stress of trying to do everything at once. The idea of transforming your entire life overnight can feel like too much. So instead of chasing perfection, focus on manageable, sustainable habits.

Let go of the perfectionism and focus on those small, sustainable changes that bring more balance, peace, and yes—joy—into your life. Progress doesn’t have to be linear. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay. What matters is that you’re continuing to take steps forward, no matter how small they may seem. These little habits, practiced consistently over time, will lead you to your health goals in a way that feels manageable and realistic. And as you build upon these positive changes, you’ll find yourself feeling more empowered, energized, and in control of your health.

Here’s to a healthier, happier 2025! May all your goals come to true—and if not, may you find the grace to try again. Celebrate the small victories, stay kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned, and remember that the road to a healthier life doesn’t require perfection—just to start.