We seem to have tasks that never get to the top of the list.  They are always on the back burner.  In other words, something that can be done at any time is often done at no time.  My list would include washing windows, purging unused Christmas decorations, sweeping the basement floor, etc. These tasks and others are on the back of my mind, but I find other more interesting tasks to do to take their place. Unfortunately, the same can be true with our fitness routines.  Nothing is more exhausting than the healthy habit that is never started.

Why?

The thought of starting a new fitness routine can feel overwhelming and more exhausting than the workout itself.  The hurdle of beginning a healthy habit (like regular exercise or healthy nutrition) can be taxing.

It can be mentally draining. Procrastination leads to feeling guilty, and each missed workout session or healthy meal adds to the guilt and self-doubt cycle.  This mental fatigue lingers, and with it goes mental and physical energy. The solution is discovering the barriers that keep us from starting.

How to Start?

First, redefine “starting”. A healthy habit doesn’t require an entire overhaul.  Begin with small steps like a 10-minute walk or drinking water instead of soda at lunch.  Small actions compound and build momentum. Consistency with small habits can lead to lasting change. Starting is not changing your entire life and current routines.  It is more about small consistent efforts.

Second, get rid of perfectionism. Don’t wait for the perfect gym, workout routine, exercise outfit, weekly healthy meal plan, etc. Waiting for perfectionism leads to delays. Instead, embrace imperfection. A 15-minute home workout, even if it is not perfect, is better than a gym session that never happens. Be consistently imperfect, it can lead to long-term fitness results.

Third, change the way you look at new habits. Instead of thinking of exercise as a chore, think of it as self-care.  Exercise can be an enjoyment, not an obligation. If we look at it as an unwanted task, like washing windows, it might stay on the back burner.

Accountability is the last item on the list.  Share your goal with a partner or gather friends to walk with. Social support can help us stick with our new habits.

Nothing is more exhausting than the healthy habit that is never started. Start small, embrace imperfections, find joy in activities, and lean on others. What small step will you start with?