1. Unrealistic Goals

This is probably the most common reason people struggle and ultimately fail to acheive their goals. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to a lot of unnecessary frustration and disappointment. It's essential to set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Ask yourself these important questions:

• Specific: What exactly do I want to accomplish? What specific outcome do I really want to achieve?

• Measurable: How will I be able to measure my success? What type of data will I collect to track my progress? How will I evaluate whether I'm moving in the right direction?

• Attainable: Do I have all the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources at my disposal to achieve this goal?

• Relevant: Is this goal not only meaningful but also aligned with my other objectives or the main goal I have set for myself?

• Time-bound: What is the specific timeframe for achieving this goal? Is that timeframe realistic and manageable?

2. Too Much Too Soon

Another common roadblock that individuals often encounter on their journey toward better health is the combination of injury, frustration, fatigue, and other challenges, all stemming from the tendency to take on too much too soon. It’s important to remember that meaningful progress is a marathon and not a sprint. This means that making baby steps toward your goals is not only wise but also essential for long-term success. By setting smaller, more manageable goals and taking tiny, incremental steps, you significantly increase your likelihood of adhering to your plans long term. Keep in mind that we want to adopt a sustainable approach, as this is a lifelong journey toward optimal health and wellness. Also, making SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals will greatly assist you in navigating this process effectively. Here are some helpful tips to consider:

• For exercise: Increase your distance or volume by no more than 10% each week. If you are just beginning to run, be sure to incrementally increase your mileage by 10% weekly to decrease the risk of injury.

• If you are changing your diet, focus on altering one thing at a time. An example would be: if your goal is to lose weight, consider making a healthy swap for breakfast or eliminating sugary beverages that may hinder your progress.

• Add rather than remove. Sometimes it’s more beneficial to incorporate healthy foods at first instead of focusing solely on what to take away. For example, if you add a cup of colorful vegetables to your dinner, chances are that you will feel more satisfied and therefore won't eat as many unhealthy foods.

• Slowly ease your way into a new fitness routine. This is especially crucial if you have never worked out before. Instead of jumping right into a rigorous six-day-a-week CrossFit regimen, start with just three days a week or opt for a lighter form of exercise. This strategic approach will significantly lower your chances of injury and burnout while supporting a more enjoyable experience.

3. Unprepared Environment

Not taking the time to thoroughly prepare your environment—such as your home—can lead to a recipe for failure on your journey to better health. Here are some helpful tips for preparing your environment to support a healthy life:

• Make the ability to consume unhealthy foods difficult by not bringing them into your home at all. If you find yourself craving something, make it a point to prepare it homemade, so you’re more mindful of what you’re eating.

• Focus on meal prep and plan ahead. You are much less likely to reach for unhealthy options if you have nutritious meals prepared and ready to go. The “easy” option foods that you might be tempted to grab are generally unhealthy, so try to designate some time on Sunday to prep meals and snacks for the week ahead.

• Consider your friendships with those around you. You may need to evaluate if your current friends support your healthy lifestyle choices. This is particularly important if you are trying to give up drinking or make any significant lifestyle changes, as social influences can play a powerful role in your journey to wellness.

4. Lack of Resilience When Things Get in your way

Failure is an inevitable part of any growth journey, and it can often feel daunting. What truly matters, however, is how you respond to those setbacks when they arise. Instead of letting failure defeat you, take the time to learn from your experiences and embrace the valuable lessons they offer. Remember to be gentle with yourself during tough times, pick yourself back up, and keep moving forward with determination and resilience. Here are some helpful tips to consider:

• Understand that failure is inevitable: injuries happen, illnesses occur, and life’s unpredictability can bring unforeseen challenges.

• Learn how to deal with stress properly: develop effective strategies to cope, relax, and recover from stressful situations in a healthy manner.

• Create healthy habits: establish daily routines and practices that make it more difficult to veer off course from your path to wellness and success.