It Is Easy to Lose Steam: How to Push Through

Extending your Success

My last post concentrated on personalizing your menu plans. Setting a goal specifying a day and time each week for menu planning is a fantastic way to really ingrain the habit. This is a huge part of ensuring ongoing success in your health journey.

To make the transition into February as seamless as possible, I am using Suzanne’s second book, Beyond Simply Keto. This is totally optional for you.

In the end, I found many wonderful recipes in the Simply Keto book so I was encouraged to try the second one as well. Plus, Suzanne includes the shopping lists in the book. Don’t forget to check for used copies of the book to save a little mulah! And, of course, there are so many resources on the web to find great recipes, as well as menu plans, already done for you.

Alternatively, you can start all over with the 30 day menu in Simply Keto or make your own plans utilizing favorite recipes from the book as well as incorporating some recipes we didn’t try. If you own The 30-Day Sugar Elimination Diet cookbook, you can use the 30 day menu for the month of February. I really enjoyed that book and thought the menu plan was wonderful. However, this is your journey so pick the path that works for you!

Motivation is the next important aspect and is certainly no less important.

Motivation

How can you stay focused and on track in the coming months? A great question that doesn’t have an easy answer. Your answer is very personal and will take some thought to construct. It is best boiled down to your personal “Why”.

Your Why is your anchor, your North Star—the deeper reason behind why you want to accomplish something. And guess what? When you clearly define that “why,” your chances of success skyrocket! Let’s talk about why your “why” matters and how to set goals that will actually help you accomplish what you want.

What’s a “Why” Anyway?

Okay, so what exactly is a “why”? Well, think of it as your purpose or your driving force. It’s the emotional or personal reason you want to achieve something. It’s the thing that fuels your determination on those days when it feels like giving up would be so much easier. For example:

• Goal: I want to lose weight.
• Why: I want to feel more confident in my own skin and have more energy to play with my kids.

See how the “why” digs deeper than just the surface-level goal? The goal is something tangible you can work toward, but the “why” connects it to your emotions, values, and personal life. When you define your “why,” you can build a clear path to achieve your goals with purpose and intention.

Why Defining Your Why Is a Game-Changer

When your goals are grounded in a meaningful “why,” you’re more likely to stay motivated and consistent. It’s easy to get distracted by shiny things or tempted to procrastinate when you’re just checking off tasks on a to-do list. But if you’re chasing a goal that’s connected to something bigger—something that genuinely excites you or speaks to your values—it’s a whole different story.

Let’s be honest: motivation can be fickle. We all have days when it feels like nothing’s going right. That’s where having a strong “why” makes all the difference. It keeps you going even when you want to throw in the towel.

How to Define Your “Why”

Now that we know why your “why” is so important, let’s figure out how to define it. Here’s a simple exercise you can try:

1. Start with your goal: Write down the goal you want to achieve. Be specific. For example, “I want retain my independence and mobility as I age” or “I want to avoid the chronic diseases that plagued my parents.”
2. Ask yourself “Why?”: Take a moment to reflect. Why is this goal important to you? Is it for yourself? Your spouse? Your grandchildren? Dig deep here. The more honest and specific you can be, the better.
3. Dig deeper: After you’ve answered “why,” ask yourself again—Why does that matter to me? This step helps uncover the root of your motivation. Let’s go back to our example:
   • Goal: I want to retain my independence and mobility as I age.
   • Why: I want to be able to live independently in the place of my choice and enjoy travel with my spouse/family.

By this point, you’ll have a much clearer sense of your “why” and how it connects to your values.

Setting Goals That Actually Get You Where You Want to Go

Alright, now that you’ve got your “why” down, it’s time to set some goals to back it up. A big goal might feel overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into smaller, achievable steps makes it way more manageable.

Here’s how you can set goals that’ll keep you moving forward:

1. Make your goals SMART: SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This structure helps you clarify exactly what you want and how you’ll track your progress.
2. Start small: Big goals are great, but they can also feel intimidating. Break them down into smaller, more immediate tasks that you can tackle one at a time. For example, if your goal is to avoid chronic disease, maybe your first step is just researching contributing factors, and then your second step is incorporating those lifestyle changes. Little wins add up!
3. Track progress regularly: Keep yourself accountable by tracking your progress. You can do this weekly or monthly, depending on your goal. Celebrate each milestone, even if it’s small—because every step forward is progress!
4. Review and adjust: Life happens, and sometimes you’ll need to adjust your goals or timelines. That’s okay! The key is to keep checking in with yourself. If your original goals don’t align with your “why” anymore, that’s a sign it’s time to tweak them.

Bringing It All Together

Having a clear “why” and breaking your goals down into actionable steps is like having a map on a road trip. It tells you where you’re going and how to get there, making the journey much more enjoyable (and a lot less stressful).

Remember, it’s not just about what you want to achieve—it’s about why you want it in the first place. Your why should be your motivation to continue to work towards your goals. So, get clear on your why, set meaningful goals, and keep chipping away at them. You’ve got this!

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DISCLAIMER: This website is for informational purposes. I am not a health practitioner and no information should be construed as personal medical advice or diagnosis.