100 Reasons Why Your Healthy Living Plan Isn’t Working Out

(And what to do instead)

This post marks my 100th article published on my blog.

I didn’t set out to write 100 articles. I set out to write. More. Because I like it, and from what I gather people are benefiting.

That was the other purpose. To be of service beyond the walls of my practice. To connect with people all over the planet in an effort to reduce pain, and suffering and bring more love, joy, and health into the world.

When I started to write I wanted to use my words to help you get healthy, happy, and doing what you love. Why? Because I believe healthy, happy people doing what they love contributes to world peace.

And I want you to be one of those people.

This article aside, (my longest yet) at 500-700 words a pop, I’ve written a lot of words. The next step for me? A book? A program? Who knows. But consistently writing and publishing weekly added up over the last two years.

This got me thinking about healthy living, and how we often set out with the best of intentions – especially at certain times of the year. As the new year rolls around. Then spring time. Woohoo! A second chance! And again heading into fall. Gak! There are only only 4 more months to get healthy this year! You can finally get into the routine you promised yourself you would after too much champagne on December 31st.

Awesome.

But gosh it’s hard, isn’t it? Making changes?

Here’s the thing. Every time you try to make a healthy change your body hates it. This is because you have YEARS of patterns and behaviors to overcome. YEARS.

Imagine a freighter changing course in the middle of the ocean. That puppy ain’t turning on a dime. And neither are your ingrained patterns. Us mere mortals are pretty resistant to change. Of any kind.

In honour of my 100th article, here they are, in no particular order:

100 reasons why your healthy living plan isn’t working out and how to make sure it does.
(Tweet it out. Please. See note below.)**

It’s a meaty clipshow. Most of my 100 articles are linked here. But you can get tons of good info just by reading this list – so you don’t have to (necessarily) get lost down the rabbit hole of links.

1. You’re trying to do too much. Too fast.
Rome wasn’t built in a day. Set offensively-small, “trigger goals.”

2. You aren’t focused on your “Why.”
Find your values behind your desire to get healthy.

3. You haven’t written it down.
Write it down.

4. You’re not keeping it front and centre.
Keep it front and centre. As your computer or gadget wall paper. On your dashboard in your car. On your mirror. On the back of the door you go through often. See it everywhere. In everything.

5. You’re trying to skip the journey.
You can’t just lavish in the result. Results come after consistent, dedicated, daily work. The journey is everything. Enjoy the process.

6. Your plan won’t actually get you the results you’re looking for.
Take cardio for example. I rarely see that type of exercise get people in their best bodies. Especially when it’s done for over 30 minutes. Workout smarter, not longer.

7. You’re following general guidance.
You’re not listening to your body’s unique wisdom about what it wants. Listen. Find your specificity.

8. You don’t have the support you need.
You can’t do things alone. Who can you ask to help you?

9. Your people don’t want to support you.
When you ask them to help, explain why you need them. It may work. If not, find other people.

10. Your people don’t know how to support you.
Tell them.

11. You haven’t made it a priority.
No one else will make it a priority for you. Make it a non-negotiable.

12. You haven’t scheduled it.
The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities. Stephen Covey said that. If it’s not scheduled it’s not real.

13. You haven’t fully given yourself permission.
I can’t do that for you. Only one person can. You know who that is.

14. You’re in resistance.
Your reptilian, fear brain is kicking up a fuss. It doesn’t want you to change. Maybe some Brain-Based Transformational Coaching to clear the mind monster?

15. It’s not fun.
Make it social. Or if social’s not fun for you, then do what you need to do to make it fun. It’s really all about having a good time. Life’s too short to hate it.

16. You’re not tracking your progress.
Studies show when you observe and record data, it changes your outcomes. (In a positive way.) Geek out on a Google spreadsheet.

17. You feel guilty.
Self care IS NOT selfish. It’s really a good thing. It’s the ONLY way to sustainably look after your loved ones.

18. You don’t have accountability.
Tell people publicly about your WHY and your GOALS. Social media is pretty useful here.

19. Your goal is arbitrary.
Have 15 pounds to lose? Want to be a size 4? These goals don’t really have any meaning. Instead, how about wanting to play with your kids without gasping for air. Or being fit enough to climb a mountain or visit a place you’ve never been to before.

20. You’re worried about who you might abandon by accomplishing your goal.
You’re probably not doing this in your conscious mind. More on that here, from Elizabeth Gilbert. Tapping can also help.

21. You’re too busy.
Something is going to have to go if you want to create a change. What can you release from your schedule to make room?

22. Your people don’t want you to change.
This can happen. It’s none of your business.

23. You don’t believe you can do it.
Oh sugar. Of course you can do it. You can do whatever you put your mind to. And your body to.

24. You’re playing the comparison game.
You’re on your own journey. Keep your eyes on your own paper. Stay in your lane. This ain’t no one’s story but yours. You write it. It doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing and how well they are doing at it.

25. You don’t have the right equipment.
Do you need the equipment? Do you really need it? Is the fanciest blender necessary? You can great a blender for less than $100. Is the gym membership required? You can get fit at home with nothing but your own bodyweight. If you NEED the equipment, save a little each paycheck until you can afford it. Or check Craig’s list. Or ask around. Maybe someone has extra of the thing you need. Don’t let this be a barrier. Find a way.

26. You’re saying, “Yes,” to EVERYONE but yourself.
This has to change if you want to change.

27. You’re fighting against nature.
Work with the elements. Go with the seasons. Embrace the lunar cycle. Be more active in the spring and summer. Be more introspective in the fall and winter.

28. You don’t have the right resources.
Ummm… ever heard of the interwebs? Its new and fangled. But if you can figure it out, you can probably find an answer or two. Did I mention this is my 100th article?

29. You’re burned out.
Slow down partner. There is tons of time. Don’t make yourself sick trying to make yourself healthy. See how that is completely counter productive?

30. You need encouragement on those hard days.
Here is some. Book mark that. Don’t quit.

31. You think your body is fighting against you.
It’s not. I promise. Stop and listen.

32. You think the last step is actually the first step.
When you paint a room what’s the first thing you have to do? It’s fill the holes. Then sand. Then wash. Then Tape. Then drape. THEN paint. Don’t jump ahead. All in due course.

33. You’ve failed before. And you don’t want to fail again.
So it’s better just not to try right? Well, that’s entirely up to you. Why do you want to live healthfully?

34. You don’t have a game plan.
How are you going to get from point A to point B? Write down the steps it will take. All of them. Even the little ones. In fact, the smaller the better.

35. Something unexpected came up and thwarted your plans.
Yeah. Life happens. How bad do you want it? Get back on the wagon.

36. You’re not congratulating yourself on how far you’ve come.
Remember where you started. You’re somewhere different. Keep that in mind.

37. Your goal is too rigid.
I wanna be …. by …. But what if you don’t make that? More negative self talk. More disappointment. Bah. Keep the vision in mind and be open to how and when it will show up.

38. You don’t believe you deserve it.
Oh darling, that’s another old story that has outlived its usefulness. My best tool for that? More tapping.

39. You see the result as all or nothing.
Life isn’t black and white. Your goal is progress. Not perfection.

40. You’re worried about quitting once you’ve started.
Don’t quit.

41. You did quit.
Stop quitting. Restart as many times as you need. Reframe quitting. You’re taking a break. Make the break as short as possible.

42. You think deserve a treat.
You’ve had a great week. Stuck to the plan. Now you want the treat that you so rightly deserve. Weigh it out. Does the set back the treat creates make you happier and healthier in the long run?

43. You’re not picturing the result.
Be still. Breathe. Visualize in your new body, shape, life, skin (what ever you are working towards). Engage all your senses when you do this. What do you smell? Touch? Taste? What are all the kind things that people say to you? What do you say to them? Embody the change.

44. You can’t picture the result.
You’ve stilled, breathed, and visualized. But you can only see your current reality. Start smaller. Picture yourself half way there. Or a quarter of the way. Or just how good you’ll feel tomorrow when you went on as planned today.

45. You can’t get in the routine of it.
Is it on the calendar? Have you made it convenient? How can you insert your new ways of being into your daily life? This article might help. Or this course.

46. You’re acting on a whim. Every whim.
Keep the vision close by, let it penetrate your field in all moments. Don’t follow the latest shiny object. Focus.

47. You’re criticizing yourself.
Please don’t darling. It’s poison. Stay curious. Write yourself a love note telling yourself how proud you are. Do this every day if you need to.

48. You’re making it too complicated.
Simplify. What would feel easy?

49. You’re relying on someone’s schedule.
Gym classes, walking with a friend. Make it work for you. On your own time. After all, it’s your goal.

50. You’ve lost sight of your WHY.
Half way through the list. I thought we’d revisit this one. Refind it.

51. You haven’t accepted where you’re starting from.
We all start somewhere. You can’t wait until you’re in a different position to start. Why? Because you won’t be in a different position UNLESS you start. (Well, you might be worse off… but not likely better.) Start from where you are.

52. You’re not talking about your struggles.
Don’t suffer in silence. Share what’s going on. Rely on your people for support. Even if that is just for them to listen.

53. You’re expecting your results too quickly.
It takes 66 days (on average) to turn a practice into a habit. Keep practicing.

54. You believe you’re too old to change.
That is just not true. The interwebs (remember that resource we talked about above?) has a gazillion examples of people starting and mastering things in their later years. The only difference between them and you? They took the steps.

55. You’re not breathing properly.
You can’t be healthy without proper breathing.

56. You’re not pooing properly.
You can’t be healthy without proper pooing.

57. You’re not living YOUR life.
You’re living the life you think you should be living. What would it feel like to give yourself permission to live YOUR life? For YOU?

58. You’re too attached to your methods.
But are they working? As much as I want you sticking to the plan, you have to take the time to assess if it’s working.

59. You’re not taking the time to assess if it’s working.
Take this time. Assessing is your progress vital to your progress.

60. You haven’t tried all your options.
Don’t give up. I believe there is a solution for you.

61. You think you’re going by the 80/20 rule.
But you haven’t actually done the math. Here it is.

62. You may not be looking in the right place.
Trying to lose weight? Maybe it’s not your diet at all. Have you checked your home for weight-gaining toxins?

63. You’re not drinking enough water.
Don’t overlook this simple change. Drink more water.

64. You’re afraid.
Yeah. I get it. It’s fairly inevitable. What do they say? Feel the fear and do it anyway.

65. You keep trying the same thing. Over and over.
And you keep getting the same result. If you keeping doing what you’re doing you’ll keep getting what you’re getting.

66. You’ve gotten injured.
All is not lost. Use nature’s wisdom to heal from injuries faster. Use the down time to reassess.

67. You’re vying for the most comfortable option.
Even though it leaves you stranded in the status quo. Make wiggle room for change.

68. You’re still carrying your crap around in your backpack.
Time to shine some light on it.

69. You’re too focused on the future.
Stay in the present moment – that’s where the gift is.

70. You’re being too serious.
Lighten up, lovie. Here have this laughter. On me.

71. You’re too attached to rainbows and unicorns.
Sunshine. Lollipops. Joy. But is it overrated?

72. You’re having trouble forgiving the past.
This will really drag you down. Time to move on.

73. You’re feeling anxious about the change.
That’s only natural. Our ancestors were pretty smart about anxiety.

74. You’re trying to reduce your GINORMOUS outcome to a single variable.
Reductionism isn’t reality. You’re complex and so is your environment. Synergism is key.

75. You’re not sure how you got to where you’re at.
Maybe you’ve been sick for a while. Maybe more recently. Your bucket is overflowing. Here’s how your bucket fills up.

76. Your sleep is wacked.
Sleep is a key component to a healthy body. Sleep wisdom is here and here.

77. You’re using bandaids.
Get to the root of the problem.

78. You’re focusing too much on the label.
Again. This is too black and white. The diagnosis isn’t all that.

79. You’re being too hard on yourself.
Find a way to be gentle with yourself.

80. You’re waiting for something better to come along.
Don’t wait. This is list is getting long, but life is short. Don’t wait.

81. You’re wary of accepting help.
Again, you don’t have to do this alone. People out there want to help you.

82. You are fighting for something that you don’t even want any more.
No matter there is so much resistance. It’s okay to change your mind.

83. You’re not expressing enough gratitude.
Say thank you. Every day. Without excuse or justification. Say thank you.

84. You don’t know how to talk to your loved ones about your changes.
Food changes can be particularly hard to talk about.

85. You’re forcing yourself to like something that you just don’t like.
And that’s okay. You can like what you like, also without excuse or justification. Lose the rest.

86. You’re not being consistent.
Baby steps. Over time. Build up to a giant result.

87. You’re angry and frustrated.
For a number of reasons. But anger can be incredibly mobilizing. Get your mamma bear on. It’s okay to express it. You can do it gracefully. Maybe find a structured way to have an adult tantrum.

88. You’re not considering that you may be addicted to your bad habits.
Sugar? Is like crack to the brain. Gluten? It’s binding to the opiate receptors in the brain. You might need additional support.

89. You’re body is inflamed.
Your changes that you’ve been working so hard for may not be sticking because you’re body is full of inflammation. Fish oils can help.

90. You’re not acknowledging (or not willing to acknowledge) what might be connected to your symptoms.
I’m talking about coffee. Sounds paradoxical, but if you want more energy because, oh, you’re not sleeping you have to consider cutting your java.

91. Temptations are everywhere.
You’re tempted to stray. Make no joke. You will stall your progress. Stay on track.
Even during the holidays.

92. You’re not prepared for special events.
Take the time to be prepared. I learned that from Girl Guides. Always be prepared.

93. You’re underestimating the power of touch.
Touch is vital to thrive. High five. Hug. Fist bump. Touch.

94. It feels like a hassle.
Yeah. Every change is going to feel like a hassle. If it was comfortable and easy everyone would have already done it. Including you.

95. You’re disconnected from your fire.
Hold your passions close. Light your heart candle. But first, pour the wax out.

96. You feel silly.
You’re worried that people are making fun of your early morning beach pushups or your big booty in your downward dog? What they think is none of your business.

97. You’re worried about detoxing.
You may feel worse before you feel better. Keep plugging away. It will get better.

98. You’re worried about your long game.
Endurance. Sadly you don’t get healthy by doing something once. It’s something you have to work at every day. The goal is to put in more health-promoting behaviors than disease promoting ones. Over time this will shift your experience of being healthy or not. And remember “healthy” is a relative term.

99. You’re still reading.
So you ARE able to see things through to the end. Keep that in mind on those days you want to quit.

100. You haven’t hired a naturopathic doctor to help you.
We can help. I can help. Call me.

**Now. I have an arbitrary goal.

I want this shared 100 times. I want this because I want more people en route to their healthy, thriving, delightful life. Can you help me please? The share buttons are at the bottom of this post. Thank you.

And truly! Thanks for reading. Thanks for showing up for yourself. Thanks for being curious. Thanks for being you.

May be you be healthy, happy, and doing what you love.

To your healthy, thriving, delightful life,