Typically, there is a point–death, illness, major life decision–that causes you to reflect and decide to make a change. Mine was to have children.

I was overweight, had an overactive thyroid, and I wanted to have a baby. So, I decided to make a change. My husband and I did an off-the-record version of Weight Watchers. Essentially, this means we didn’t join WW, but we followed the rules of the program. If you break down the program, its foundation is calorie counting. It teaches you to eat less and to eat cleaner. You’re encouraged to eat more non-processed food such as nuts and veggies because these are lower in fat and calories. You’ll learn what an appropriate serving size of everything is. Eating healthier and eating smaller are the two big takeaways I gained from WW, and for that, I am eternally grateful because it has shaped all of my eating habits.

I lost 30 pounds of the program and lowered my dose of thyroid medication during that period. Goal accomplished.

You may have a different turning point. You were given some troubling news about your health. There was a death that shocked your world. You hate feeling tired, overweight, and unenergetic. Whatever it is, let it jump start you to have a goal. It’s important to want to have a prize and work towards it.

But remember, change is hard. Change doesn’t come easily. Change comes gradually. Don’t let change (or the lack thereof once you’ve started trying) deter you from working towards that goal, whatever it may be. If you’re wanting body/weight change, try something super simple. Try not to eat all the food on your plate at a meal every day. Add walking to your day.

Once you’ve conquered the smaller goals, work yourself up to the bigger goals. Eliminate one restaurant eating a week and cook. Add more vegetables to your diet. Try portioning out snacks or just changing snacks all together to healthier versions such as nuts, cheese, and fruit. Instead of walking, start jogging or start an exercise program.

Your goals should be difficult but not unattainable. You want to be motivated, not deflated. And like I said in a previous post, have that cheerleader to encourage you and maybe even do some of the activities with you to keep you going.

We’re running the race. Did I mention it’s a marathon? It’s all about the endurance, the big picture. Don’t just focus on this one spot of the journey, or you’ll miss out on the beauty of the entire landscape.