Finding your why: How to stick to your health goals

Living healthier can sometimes be a challenge. And it’s often easier said than done. A lot of time and energy goes into keeping up with healthy eating, staying active and managing health conditions. That’s why it’s crucial to stay motivated as you try to live as healthy as possible. One way to do so is by remembering, or even finding, your “why.”

Leveraging your why

Your “why” is the reason you take care of yourself. The motivation behind making healthier choices. Some common “whys” might be:¹

• “I want to live longer”
• “I want to get stronger”
• “I want more energy”
• “I want to feel proud of myself”
• “I want to set an example for my family”
• “I want to live independently, even when I’m much older”
• “I want to focus on preventative care”
• “I want to feel more comfortable and attractive in my own body”
• “I want to stay in control of my life”

It takes a certain amount of drive to keep up with your health journey, especially when setbacks come up. And if you’re trying to make habit changes because “you just should” or because someone else wants you to, you are less likely to stick with your goals.⁴

We all have our own reasons why we choose to live healthier. And only you can decide what drives you to make positive choices that prioritize your health and well-being. 

What’s your why?

Finding your why

Perhaps you already know what motivates you to choose healthier habits. However, if you’re not sure, set some time aside to reflect on what inspires you. One way to do this is by thinking about your values and identifying which ones are most meaningful to you.

You can also try thinking of people you care about or admire the most. List out why they are so important to you and use that as inspiration to take care of yourself.²

It’s also important to observe yourself and be mindful of any patterns in your decisions, behavior and beliefs. What can you learn about what you want? What are you willing to give up? Are there any non-negotiables in your life?² 

Need help finding your “why”? Our mental health providers are ready to help however they can.

Getting back on track

Now, there may be times when there’s a disconnect between what we want to do and what we actually do. Maybe life gets busy and you get off track with your health goals. Or maybe you simply forget to drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated. And of course, there’s the risk of getting into a rut and losing steam. Slowing down or even taking a step back is very normal. The important thing to know is that you can get back on track.

Here are six ways to regain your motivation:

1. Write down your “whys” on a sticky note, and post them throughout your house as daily reminders.¹
2. Find an accountability partner like a friend or family member, and regularly check in on your progress.¹
3. Find physical activities you enjoy to make exercise more fun.^3,4
4. Ask a friend or partner to join you on your health journey to help keep each other going.³
5. Make a plan. Follow a routine. Take it one step at a time. Set small, measurable goals. And remember to celebrate by rewarding your progress and successes.^3,4
6. Be patient with yourself and avoid judging yourself in a negative manner.4 If you lose focus, start slowly again and work your way back up to your previous activity level.³

Healthier ever after is done better together

Living healthier can be hard work. The good news is that you’re not alone in this process. With Teladoc Health, you bring the health goal—or goals—and we bring you the tools and support you need to get where you need to. We’ve got your back from virtual Primary Care to Mental Health, Chronic Condition Management and more. Just let us know how we can help!

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Published on October 19, 2023