How to stay motivated on your health journey even when life gets messy

Oh my, staying motivated is so difficult, isn’t it?

We make all these plans and preparations, we’re so committed to staying focused and then something happens that really knocks us off course. Sick kids, disturbed sleep that leaves us wrecked, work stress, financial worries, caring for older parents, you get it.

It’s so easy to think, “I’ll start again tomorrow,” or “Once I’ve dealt with this, I’ll get back on track.”

I’ve been there, not just with eating better, but also with exercising, doing jobs around the house, and even those personal admin bits I keep putting off… So trust me, I absolutely know how you feel.

I’m a solo business girl, and I spend a lot of time on my own running my business from home. When I’m having a bad day or feeling tired or frustrated, I find myself wandering into the kitchen to make my umpteenth cup of tea and looking for snacks as a distraction. I’ve been there and to be honest, sometimes I’m still there! But more often than not now- through practice- I can spot when it’s happening and have strategies to help myself pause and shift.

When Life Gets in the Way

The thing is, when life throws things at us, those are exactly the times when staying on the path we promised ourselves is the most important thing we can do. Stress, illness, exhaustion - these are the moments when taking care of ourselves matters the most. No two ways about it.

So when life throws a curveball and you feel like abandoning your plan, try pivoting instead. Don’t toss everything out the window. Just find one or two things you can still do that day to care for yourself. Maybe you can’t stick to your full meal plan, but could you still include one healthy meal?

It's OK to Start Over (Again and Again)

If you need to restart, reset, and refocus every morning then do it. As many times as you need to. Just don’t give up. There’s no shame in starting over. We all do it. Stand up, dust yourself off and crack on. What’s the alternative, sitting on the cold floor forever?

Practical Ways I Stay on Track

I always come back to my “why.”
Why do I want to lead a healthy lifestyle?
Why do I want to nourish my body?
Why do I want to protect this one body I have?

Bringing yourself back to your true why refocuses your mind and heart on what really matters and that helps you stay committed in a way that feels empowering.

Write your why down. Stick it on your fridge, your mirror, your phone screen. Make it visible. Remind yourself often.

I also visualise how I’ll feel at the end of the day when I’ve taken care of myself: proud, more energised, nourished, accomplished.

And I always remind myself of this fact : I don’t do this because I hate my body. I do it because I love and respect it. I’m grateful for all the things my body allows me to do. That’s why I treat it well.

And perhaps most importantly:
The most important days are the days when you don’t feel like it.

Set Small & Achievable Steps

Each morning, choose one or two small goals that feel realistic for that day. You know what your schedule and energy levels are. Work with them, not against them.

Small doesn’t mean insignificant. These small steps are everything. Trust me — they matter.

Celebrate the Tiny Wins

Celebrate every success, no matter how small.
Each time you make a choice that supports your health and wellbeing, that’s a win. You could have chosen something else, but you didn’t. That’s amazing.

Surround Yourself with the Right People

They say we’re the average of the five people we spend the most time with. So ask yourself:

• Do your people support and encourage you?

• Do they cheer you on and celebrate your wins?

• Do they help you up when you’re struggling — without judgement?

Those are your people.

And if anyone tries to knock you off your path, makes you feel guilty, or sees your growth as a threat — they are not your people.

Try This:

• Write your “why” on a sticky note and place it where you’ll see it. Bathroom mirror, fridge door, car dashboard.

• Set a timer for 2 minutes and breathe deeply when you feel like emotionally eating. Give your brain a moment to pause. (And maybe a cup of tea will do the job!)

• Message a friend and share one small win today.

Pausing Is Powerful

Remember that story I mentioned above?
There I was, standing in front of the fridge, third cup of tea in hand, convincing myself I needed a “thinking snack.”

But I paused. I breathed.
I remembered how good I felt the last time I made a healthy choice.
And the moment passed.

Sometimes all we need is a pause.

Final Thought

Remember who the most important person in your life is: YOU.

Free 4-Session Coaching to Kickstart Your Health Journey

I'm opening up a few spaces for a free 4-session coaching programme (this will include 4 x 1 hour weekly online coaching sessions, email/whats app support in between sessions, and recipe ideas) to help you take the first steps toward a healthier lifestyle — no cost.

All I ask at the end of our 4 session programme is a short testimonial and your honest feedback.

This is for you if you're ready to make changes but feel overwhelmed, don't know where to start, struggle to stay motivated, or just want some support in making realistic progress that fits into your busy life. You’ll get personalised guidance, simple strategies, and a judgment-free space to start moving forward.

If that sounds like something you’d love to be part of then click here to contact me.