Sep 164 min read

What’s Really Holding You Back from a Healthy Lifestyle?

What’s Really Holding You Back from a Healthy Lifestyle?

Have you ever felt like you know what you should do to be healthy, but somehow, you just can't seem to make it happen? It’s a frustrating cycle—wanting change but feeling stuck. So, what's really holding you back? Let's dig into the common roadblocks and, more importantly, how to overcome them so you can finally make lasting changes.

1. Lack of Time or Prioritization

One of the biggest complaints I hear is, "I don't have time." But, if we're being honest, we all have the same 24 hours in a day. It’s not about having time—it’s about making time. Ask yourself:

Are you prioritizing things that matter to you?
Where can you swap out time-wasting activities for healthier habits?

Solution: Start small. Instead of carving out an hour at the gym, how about 10 minutes of stretching or a short walk? Gradually build from there. Time management isn’t about overhauling your day; it’s about making tiny, manageable changes.

2. All-or-Nothing Mindset

Perfectionism can be paralyzing. Often, people think they have to overhaul their entire lifestyle overnight—exercise daily, eat clean every meal, and never touch sugar again. But when life inevitably happens, they fall off the wagon and give up altogether.

Solution: Think progress, not perfection. Focus on better bad choices, like swapping a sugary snack for something slightly healthier, or moving for 15 minutes instead of sitting all day. Sustainable changes build over time. Give yourself credit for each small victory, rather than beating yourself up for falling short of perfection.

3. Overwhelm and Confusion

There’s so much information out there about what’s “healthy.” Keto? Vegan? Fasting? It’s overwhelming, and confusion leads to inaction.

Solution: Find what works for you. You don’t need to follow the latest diet trend; you need to figure out what fits your lifestyle. This is where personalized coaching can make all the difference. I offer one-on-one coaching at Always On Your Side to help you sort through the noise and create a plan that’s realistic and tailored to your needs.

4. Emotional Eating and Stress

For many, food is more than just fuel—it’s comfort, celebration, and stress relief all wrapped into one. Emotional eating is a major roadblock, especially when stress hits. The result? We turn to unhealthy foods for a temporary fix.

Solution: Start tracking not just what you eat, but how you feel when you eat. Identifying emotional triggers is the first step toward breaking the cycle. Mindful eating can also help. Take a moment to pause before reaching for that snack and ask yourself: Am I really hungry, or am I stressed, bored, or upset? Learning how to address emotional eating is a core part of the coaching process at Always On Your Side.

5. Lack of Accountability

Motivation fades. That’s normal. What keeps people going when the initial excitement wears off is accountability. Trying to do it all alone can make the journey feel isolating, and when you hit a rough patch, it’s easy to revert to old habits.

Solution: Find a support system. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or a coach, having someone in your corner cheering you on and holding you accountable is crucial. Our Always On Your Side support groups provide a safe, encouraging space to share struggles, celebrate wins, and stay on track together.

6. Fear of Failure

Fear can often be disguised as excuses. Deep down, you may be afraid of trying, because what if you fail? Or worse, what if you succeed and now have to maintain those changes?

Solution: Redefine failure. Each misstep is part of the learning process. Setbacks happen, but they’re not the end of the road. You only truly fail if you stop trying. With guidance and the right mindset, you can turn challenges into growth opportunities.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself:

What small, realistic changes can I make today?
Am I surrounding myself with people who support my goals?
What’s the one thing that keeps derailing me, and how can I address it?
What are my triggers for unhealthy behaviors, and how can I replace them with better habits?

Final Thoughts

Changing your lifestyle isn’t about finding the perfect moment or waiting for motivation to strike. It’s about starting right where you are, with what you have, and building from there. The roadblocks that hold you back are real, but they’re not insurmountable. With the right tools and support, you can overcome them and create the healthy life you deserve.

And with October right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to take that first step! We have open enrollment in our Always On Your Side support groups, plus there’s still room in Coach Paris’s calendar for one-on-one sessions. Whether it’s personalized coaching or group support, you’ll find the accountability and guidance you need—without judgment, just encouragement.

Now ask yourself: What’s one small thing you can do today to move closer to the healthy lifestyle you want?

Let me help you 💜,