Small Steps, Big Changes
Hey, friend!
Let’s talk about making small, intentional changes toward a healthier lifestyle this year. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent the days between Christmas and New Year’s in a haze of leftover cookies, family gatherings, and lost track of what day it is. (Been there!) But here’s the thing—those slow days are the perfect time to pause, reflect, and prepare the way for healthy choices in the year ahead.
When Paul and I started our health and wellness journey last year, we knew we needed more than just a list of goals. We needed a mindset shift. We kept coming back to Romans 12:2:
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
For us, renewing our minds meant seeing health and wellness as part of our calling—to be all that God created us to be. So, if you’re ready to start taking small steps toward a healthier, more vibrant life, here are my top tips for making it happen.
1. Out With the Old, In With the New
First things first: let’s clear out what no longer serves us. This is about more than tossing stale Christmas cookies (though you should definitely do that). It’s about creating a clean slate for your health and wellness journey.
Here’s what we did:
Clean it out: We pulled everything out of our fridge, pantry, and cabinets. Yes, even Aunt Marge’s cake. We ditched the Oreos, leftover candy, and anything else that didn’t support our goals.
Donate what you can: Non-perishables can go to a local charity or food bank.
Make it fun: Organize your spaces in a way that makes healthy choices easy and accessible. Pro tip: If it looks pretty, you’re more likely to stick with it! (Check out my Amazon storefront for organization ideas!)
When everything has a place—and that place is visually appealing—you’ll feel inspired to keep it up.
2. Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail
Here’s the truth: I thrive with structure. As someone with ADHD, plans and schedules are my lifeline to actually following through on goals.
Set aside time to answer a few key questions:
What are your health goals?
What do you need to do to achieve them?
What’s the best time of day to make progress?
Most importantly: What’s your WHY?
Your “why” will keep you going when the excitement fades and the excuses creep in. Talk it through with someone you trust—a friend, spouse, or roommate. For Paul and me, it looks like sitting down together to align our goals for the family, figuring out meal prep and grocery schedules, and deciding who’s watching the boys while we work out. We’re a team, and being on the same page makes all the difference.
3. Design a “Goal-Getter” Board
Let’s be real—if I don’t have a visual reminder of my goals, they’re out of sight, out of mind. That’s why I LOVE creating a family “goal-getter” board. It’s fun, it’s motivational, and it keeps everyone accountable.
Here’s what ours includes:
Mind: Morning quiet time with the Lord, prayer, worship, and meditation.
Body: Cardio, weights, HIIT, red light therapy, cold plunges, drinking 100oz of water, and taking our supplements.
Soul: Listening to worship music, connecting with friends, and feeding our creativity through podcasts or hobbies.
Hang your board somewhere central (the fridge, maybe?) where everyone can see it. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about progress.
4. No Shame in the Kingdom
Here’s your reminder: shame off you! This journey is not about perfection. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Building healthy habits takes time, patience, and grace for yourself.
Start small. Maybe it’s waking up 10 minutes earlier to fit in quiet time or swapping out one processed snack for a healthier option. Over time, those small changes add up to big transformations.
And when you stumble (because we all do), don’t beat yourself up. Give yourself the same grace you’d offer a friend. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
Let’s Do This Together
Friend, you’re not alone in this. We’re all on a journey to take care of our bodies, minds, and souls so we can live the full, abundant life God has for us. Let’s commit to taking small steps together in 2025.
What’s one small change you’re planning to make this year? I’d love to hear in the comments or connect with you on social media!
Here’s to a healthier, happier 2025.
Love,
Amy