Action comes before change.
We often make the mistake of thinking that we need motivation to do something, whether it’s to exercise, meal plan, or some other healthy habit or skill.
Waiting for motivation, the right time, more energy… means you’ll probably never get started, let alone get the results that you want. Because motivation is fickle, especially as the novelty of your goal or plan wears off. Ask me (or anyone with ADHD) how many projects I’ve never finished, even though I really wanted to.
Taking action sounds great and all, but it can feel nebulous and daunting. We know we need to exercise on a regular basis, eat healthy, nourishing foods every day, get plenty of sleep, cultivate healthy relationships, not sit so much, stretch, meditate, journal, blah, blah, blah. But where do you start?
Start simple and easy. Just get going, get the reps in. The rest will follow.
Think about one or two simple actions that could move you in the right direction. Break them down into no-brainer tasks that you are 90-100% confident you could do on a consistent, long-term basis:
- Go to bed 5 minutes earlier
- Take a 5-minute walk
- Journal
- Stretch or foam roll
- Do 2-3 sets of squats
- Chop fruit and veggies for snacks
- Floss
- Drink a glass of water
This strategy also works for when you’re feeling stuck, because action can also bring about clarity. This is especially true for me. I find that going for a walk really gets my brain going and sparks my creativity. And oftentimes the act of just getting started makes you want to keep going.
Brainstorm a variety of small actions you can take towards your goals that take a range of duration: 1 minute, 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, etc. It can be helpful to put this list in your planner or posted in a conspicuous place that you’ll see often. This exercise reminds us that healthy living and taking action towards a goal doesn’t only include big steps or massive action. Daily, consistent, small actions are just as important.