Foundations First: Building Your Personal Health Plan

I hope you are enjoying your holidays with your family and friends. Since January is around the corner, it’s a great time to start thinking about your health plans for 2024.

Starting a journey towards better health can often feel like standing at the base of a mountain, looking up at the peak. It’s no small feat, but with the proper foundation, it’s not only possible, it’s achievable. Setting personal health goals is the foundation of a healthier lifestyle.

Here’s how you can begin laying that foundation, step by step.

1. Do a Self-Assessment

The first step towards setting personal health goals is understanding where you currently stand. Consider a thorough self-assessment, which includes current health status, lifestyle practices, and mental well-being. Use tools like health risk assessments and wellness screenings, or track your daily habits for a week. Be honest with yourself – this is your starting point, there is no need for harsh judgment.

2. Define Clear, Achievable Goals

Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). Rather than a vague objective like “get fit,” set a specific goal such as “I want to run a 5K marathon in three months” or ” I want to reduce my cholesterol levels by 10% in six months.” This clarity will carve out a clearer path forward.

3. Start Small and Make Incremental Changes

Attempting to change too much too quickly can be overwhelming. Start with small, manageable changes that you can consistently maintain, and build from there. For example, start by reducing your soda or sports drinks consumption and replacing it with water or sparkling water, then gradually introduce more vegetables into your diet. Small victories lay the groundwork for broader changes.

4. Integrate Goals into Your Lifestyle

Your health goals must fit into your lifestyle for them to be sustainable. If you can’t go to the gym, find workouts to do at home. If you’re short on time, focus on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts that can be done in less time. The more your goals align with your lifestyle, the more likely you will stick with them.

5. Track Your Progress

Keep a health diary or use an app to track your progress. Seeing improvements, no matter how small can be incredibly motivating—record not just your physical changes but also how you feel. Increased energy levels, improved sleep, and a brighter mood are all significant indicators of progress.

6. Seek Professional Guidance

A health coach can be invaluable in helping you set and achieve your health goals. We provide personalized advice, keep you accountable, and help you navigate any challenges that may arise. Our expertise can also ensure that your goals are healthy and realistic. Please hit reply if you would like to have a complimentary 20 minute session to discuss how I can support you.

7. Prepare for Setbacks

Setbacks are a natural part of any journey. Rather than seeing them as failures, view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Perhaps a particular strategy doesn’t work for you, or life gets in the way of your routine. Adjust your plan, and keep moving forward.

8. Celebrate Successes

Don’t wait to reach your final goal to celebrate. Acknowledging and rewarding the effort you’ve put in is crucial. It could be as simple as a relaxing bath after a week of completed workouts or a new workout outfit after a month of consistent training. These celebrations reinforce positive behavior and keep you motivated.

By following these steps, you’re not just setting goals. You’re laying a sustainable foundation for a healthier future. Remember, the path to personal health doesn’t have a finish line. Enjoy the journey!