5 Ways to Start Your Wellness Journey When You Don't Feel Motivated

Have you ever wanted to make a big change in your life, like getting healthier, starting a new routine, or taking up a new hobby, but just couldn’t find the motivation to get started? Maybe you’ve thought, “I’ll start tomorrow,” or “I just need to feel more ready.” If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Many people struggle with finding the motivation to begin their wellness journey. But here’s a surprising truth: You don’t need to feel motivated to start. In fact, motivation often comes after you take the first step, not before. Let's explore how you can begin your journey to wellness by simply showing up today, even when you don't feel ready.

Why Does It Feel So Hard to Start?

Let’s be honest—getting started can be the hardest part. You might feel like you need to have everything figured out before you begin. Thoughts like “I need more time,” “I’m not ready,” or “I need to learn more first” can easily fill your mind. These thoughts can hold you back, making the first step feel like a giant leap.

Think about this: you wouldn’t wait to feel like brushing your teeth—you just do it because it’s part of your daily routine. The same idea applies to your wellness journey. You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment or a burst of motivation to get started. Just taking a small step today can help you build momentum. Imagine you’re trying to push a car that’s stuck. At first, it feels really hard, but once it starts moving, it becomes easier to keep it rolling. Your wellness journey is just like that. The hardest part is getting started, but once you do, it becomes easier to keep going.

Finding a Way to Move Forward

So, how do you move forward when you don’t feel motivated? It starts with taking small, manageable steps. Instead of waiting to feel ready, focus on the habit you want to build and take a tiny step toward it today. It could be as simple as drinking a glass of water, taking a short walk, or spending five minutes meditating.

James Clear, author of "Atomic Habits," explains that starting small is key to building habits that last. He says, "The secret to getting results that last is to never stop making improvements. It's remarkable what you can build if you just don’t stop. Small habits don’t add up. They compound." This means that even the smallest actions, done consistently, can lead to big changes over time.

Imagine you want to start a daily exercise routine, but the thought of going to the gym for an hour feels overwhelming. Instead, you could start by doing just five minutes of stretching at home. This small step makes it easier to get started and builds momentum. As you continue to show up each day, even in small ways, you’ll find that your motivation naturally starts to grow.

Simple Steps to Start Today

Ready to start building momentum on your wellness journey? Here are some simple steps to help you get started today:

1. Start Small: Don’t aim for perfection right away. Pick one small action that you can do today, like taking a five-minute walk or drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning.

2. Show Up Daily: Make it a habit to show up every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. The more you show up, the easier it will become to stick with your new habit.

3. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: It’s okay if you don’t do everything perfectly. What matters is that you’re making progress, even if it’s just a little bit each day.

4. Visualize Your Success: Spend a few moments each day imagining the outcome you want to achieve. Picture yourself feeling healthier, happier, and more energized. This can help keep you motivated and focused on your goals.

5. Celebrate Small Wins: Take time to celebrate your small successes along the way. Did you make it through your first week of walking every day? That’s great! Celebrate it. Each small win will help keep you motivated to keep going.

By following these steps, you can start building momentum and making progress on your wellness journey, even if you don’t feel motivated right now.

Keeping Your Motivation Alive

Once you’ve started, keeping your motivation alive is key to making lasting changes. Motivation isn’t something you find—it’s something you create by taking action. The more you take action, the more motivated you’ll feel.

Think of it like riding a bike. When you first start pedaling, it might feel hard. But once you get moving, it becomes easier to keep going. The same is true for your wellness journey. As you continue to take small steps and build momentum, you’ll find it easier to stay motivated.

Let’s look at the story of Jane. Jane wanted to start eating healthier but felt overwhelmed by all the changes she needed to make. Instead of trying to change everything at once, she started by adding one extra serving of vegetables to her meals each day. This small step was easy to do and helped her build momentum. As she continued to show up and make small improvements, she found it easier to stay motivated and make bigger changes over time.

Remember, motivation often comes after you start taking action, not before. So, keep taking small steps, and trust that your motivation will grow along the way.

Insights from Dr. Peter Gagliardo

Dr. Peter Gagliardo, a seasoned expert in holistic health, understands that getting started can feel daunting. With over 20 years of experience helping people just like you, Dr. Gagliardo knows that the key to lasting change is simply showing up. "Motivation often follows action," he says. "It’s not about waiting to feel ready. It’s about taking that first step, no matter how small, and letting the motivation come after."

Dr. Gagliardo encourages his clients to focus on small, consistent actions rather than waiting for the perfect moment. "You don’t have to do everything at once," he advises. "Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. The important thing is to just start. Each small step you take will build momentum and make the next step easier."

He also emphasizes the importance of being patient and kind to yourself. "Change takes time," he says. "Be patient with yourself, and don’t get discouraged if progress feels slow. Every step you take, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction."

Take Your Next Step Toward Wellness

Are you ready to take that first step toward your wellness goals? Don’t wait for the perfect moment—start today! Why not take the next step by scheduling a free discovery call with us? Click here to book your call. During this call, we’ll talk about your goals, explore any challenges you’re facing, and find ways to help you get started and stay on track.

Remember, you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way, just like a friend cheering you on. Take that first step today, and see how much closer you can get to reaching your goals!