What’s the number one deterrent to making healthy habits stick? For many, it’s the idea that you’ve got to do it all at once. Many people assume that healthy habits are only valuable when they prove extreme. Like spending hours in the gym or going on a stringent diet. When it comes to how to change your life for the better, however, this approach proves impossible to maintain over the long haul.

So, what’s the best way to get healthier? By committing to small changes that lead to big results. Here are some research-based tips to help you get started.

Avoid “Resolutions”

Have you ever created a well-intentioned New Year’s resolution only to fall off the wagon before Valentine’s Day? You’re not alone. According to U.S. News & World Report, 80 percent of resolutions fizzle by mid-February. Why don’t these good intentions succeed? For one, many of us create goals that are too general and can’t be measured. We also set unrealistic expectations that don’t necessarily align with who we are.

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Shake Up Your Routine in Little Ways

Do you want to live your best life but feel overwhelmed when it comes to where to start? Instead of focusing on the finish line, think about small ways to shake up your routine along the way. For example, take a walk each evening after dinner. Did you know that one hour of rapid walking after a meal cuts the rise in blood fats by 12 percent? It also provides you with a way to get outside and enjoy family time without the distraction of electronics, chores, and other activities at your house.

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Think Simple Yet Consistent

It’s easy to procrastinate when it comes to making healthy lifestyle changes such as exercise. After all, who has hours to spend in the gym each day? But here’s a question I have for you. Why do you think you need to spend hours in the gym in the first place? It’s time to shift how you look at exercise and your daily routine. No time for a half-hour workout? Then, what about three ten-minute blocks of resistance training? Short, intense exercise intervals come with the same fitness benefits as longer sweat sessions. And they’re very time-efficient. What’s more, you and I both know you can find a few ten-minute gaps in your schedule each day.

Make Incremental Dietary Changes for a Healthier You

If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of dieting, you’re far from alone. None of us want to give up ALL of our favorite foods. Especially when we don’t like the “healthy alternatives.” There’s a better way to look at eating healthfully, though. Opt for incremental changes that incorporate clean foods that you genuinely enjoy. Over time, work in more whole foods (like organic vegetables, fruit, and lean proteins) while nixing processed foods that are chock full of chemicals and sugar. These small changes will add up.

How to Change Your Life for the Better

Let’s get something straight. Trying to go all-in when it comes to healthy habits can sabotage your success. This extreme approach can trigger a vicious cycle of yo-yo dieting and exercise burnout. It can also make it more challenging to commit to healthy lifestyle habits in the future. After all, none of us want to intentionally fall short. Instead, it’s time to remember the sage advice of Lao Tzu, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Live Your Best Life Starting Today

Why not take the first small step today? Is it a simple commitment to putting more vegetables on your plate at dinnertime or getting a better night’s sleep? Will you choose an area of your home to declutter? Whatever positive step you decide to take, remember that you’re worth it!

Are you ready to reclaim your youth, vibrancy, and best body at 50+? Great! I’m here to help. Access my free video training now to jumpstart your journey into the Age Well System. Or book a complimentary phone call to discuss your fitness goals and how we can work together to achieve them.