Or…just trying so dang hard to get through the day.

Perhaps, all of these slogans fit?

Every year we have a fresh start for new aspirations. I am goal oriented, but I’m not a fan of new year resolutions. It shifts our focus to the things we wish we were, instead of accepting ourselves as we are.  And so I want to tip toe on this tight rope very carefully because I am of the perspective that you are enough, just as you are. We are enough. Sigh.

HOWEVER, we are all on a journey and making improvements is part of that journey. Living a healthy lifestyle is incredibly important and admirable are the goals that come with it. I always want to come along side someone who is trying to make better choices for themselves.

Getting a kick start on a healthier lifestyle is the most common new years resolution. As a dance and fitness professional for over a decade, I’ve seen goals met and huge success stories. I’ve also seen people lose zeal and hope in the process.

I have had my own flow of what works and what doesn’t. One thing I learned is that if we put lofty health goals in our planner and have no plan to reach them; that drums up a recipe for guilt, defeat and shame. And that’s no fun!

If we want to have success in the wellness area, we have to make reasonable goals and create tiny shifts to produce a good outcome.

Incremental changes motivated by a strong why, have worked the best for me. Over time, this strategy has allowed for more grace in the process and the best results. Grace and motivation is vital when we are talking about long-term change. 

Before we create these shifts …let’s start with what you want to do and why. 

You want to lose 10 pounds, okay. Why? 

The answer to that question will have a huge affect on your process and outcome. 

Is it to have more energy to play with your kids?

Is it to be faster in your basketball rec league?

Is it to feel more confident in your clothes?

Is it to sleep better at night?

Is it to decrease joint pain when you work out?

Is it to be super skinny because that’s what pop culture tells you?

Is it because some jerk told you, you should?

Yeah did you see those last two? I just want to make sure we get all the monsters out of the closet before we start. Take some time to really think about your motivation. Give it a gut check if you will. Your motivation, is key to your success. And your mental wellness.

I hope your answer is inspiring and motivates you to be a healthier you! If it’s not, maybe take a deeper dive before setting out on a health kick.


There are SO many approaches to healthy living. It makes my brain hurt. Some people hop on fad diets and rapid weight loss programs. I’ll be honest, I am not a fan of those because they are not sustainable. And many of them (that have supplemental meals & drinks) fuel your body with sugar and chemicals, which is counter productive and ew!

In my experience, the best way to create a healthier lifestyle is to make small choices that you can maintain in your daily rhythm.

For example…

I started taking my dog out with me when I put my little kids on the bus. It’s kind of early and I am not a fan of walking her first thing. However, my tendency would be to drink coffee, ponder the world and then before you know it it was time for me to get out the door and get on with my day. Not walking my dog until the evening, if at all. So, I added her onto a habit I already have - must get the kids on the bus by 8 am.  Now, I walk her for just 15-20 minutes after I put my kids on the bus every week day. That might not seem like much, and it’s not. But you add it up over 5 days, then I’ve just walked 5 miles in under a week. If I add on her evening walk, that’s another 5 miles. So I’ve walked 10 miles a week without even realizing it. 

Now isn’t that something?

Imagine what a walk in the middle of your work day, would add up to!

So what is my plan in place to get there?

I need to put on my warm clothes in the morning and have her on the leash when we go outside. That’s my plan. If I do that, my barrier to reach my tiny shift of a morning walk, is low. And it’s easy to create my new habit.

Thinking about your routines, what’s a small change you can make that over time will have an incremental impact?

Below are some examples of what i mean…

Switching pop to water.

Taking coffee/tea without sugar.

Stand while you work.

Switch alcohol to seltzer.

Switch desserts to fruit.

Chase your kid at the park.

Smaller portions at meal time.

Walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator.

Park in the spot farthest from the store.

Salad for lunch.

Exercise 30 minutes 3x a week.

Go to they gym with a friend in addition to the movies.

Take a walk halfway through your work day.

Switch to skim milk.

Buy the unsweetened yogurt.

All of these are really small changes, but if you take one or two of them and add them up over many days…and then months…the results will be there. And more than likely, they will have created a new habit that you might even start to prefer.

Now it’s your turn.

Take some time to journal about your goal. 

What are some small shifts you could make to get there?

Can you pair any of these changes with some every day habits? 

Set an amount of time that sounds reasonable to you to try (30 days?)  

Set your goal. Know your why. Plan the change. 

Creating change from the inside out is important, but these minor changes that we make on the outside will work it’s way to the inside too. I think you’ll feel better about yourself and it’ll bless you immensely. Endorphins. Confidence. Self-Care. It all goes along way.

There is so much more to this topic, but I wanted to keep it light in hopes it gives a little spark of inspiration to take care of your sweet self. Happy healthy goal setting friends…remember small steps make big changes.

You got this.

xo,

Jenna

Questions? What has worked for you?

* Feel free to share in the comments