Beginning My Wellness Journey: Why I Almost Changed My Mind
So, you’re thinking about diving into the wellness world, huh? Very, very brave. Embarking on this journey is like setting off on a grand adventure—one filled with potential, excitement, and, yes, a few (well… let me be honest… SEVERAL) pesky obstacles. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the plethora of wellness advice and maybe even a tad frightened by the thought of failing, don’t worry—you’re in good company; we’re in this together. I’ve been there (and still find myself there, from time to time), and I’m here to share a bit of insight on what I’m learning well over ten years into this journey.
I’ll share a couple of roadblocks that might be making you hit the brakes on your wellness journey the same as it did me when I started: fear of failure and the overwhelming amount of information available.
Fear of Failure: Why I began to Embrace My Imperfections
The Paralysis of Fear
Let’s get real for a moment. Have you ever felt that gut-wrenching, soul-crushing fear of failure? Like you’re standing at the edge of a cliff, peering down into a bottomless pit where all your wellness dreams are doomed to perish? I know that feeling all too well. It’s that nagging voice in your head whispering, “What if you mess up? Are you even cut out for this? But, what if it takes you longer than them? What if no one understands what you’re doing or why?”
Fear of failure can be paralyzing. It has this incredible power to make even the most enthusiastic person freeze up, convinced that it’s better to stay in the safety of the familiar rather than risk a fall. It’s as if the idea of not achieving our goals perfectly is somehow worse than not trying at all.
Why My Fear of Failure Happens:
I sometimes find myself asking, “why do I let fear of failure control me at times?” For me… it’s often rooted in the unnecessary pressure I place on myself. I understand the depth of this about myself now that I’m in my 30s. I realized I placed the pressure on myself, because, from childhood up until my mid-20s, I was determined to make sure everyone I encountered was never displeased with me. And, for me, it wasn’t so much the fear of failure… it was the fear of others’ disappointment in me because of my “failure”.
It’s as if the pressure we place on ourselves can evolve into these lofty expectations for ourselves, imagining that we need to achieve a specific level of success immediately or risk being branded a failure: “I’ve got to prove this thing to this person; these people (or even myself), so they can see me; give me some type of consideration/recognition so I’ll know I’m important to them and they’re not disappointed in me.”
How I Overcome the Fear:
Here’s a little secret I’ve learned: it’s all about shifting your focus from being perfect to simply making progress. Imagine starting your wellness journey like a beginner’s cooking class. Instead of aiming to cook a gourmet meal on day one, why not just master… how to boil an egg, first? Baby steps! Likewise, don’t overhaul your entire lifestyle in one go. Start with manageable changes, like incorporating one healthy meal a day. Think of each small victory as a step toward your ultimate goal, not the final destination.
And, most importantly, I had to gain a healthier understanding of the definition I held for the word “failure”. For years, the meaning of that word, for me, was rooted in trauma and triggers, and really had nothing to do with the actual definition of “failure”.
Embracing a Growth Mindset
Understanding that “failure” is a part of the learning process is crucial for overcoming this roadblock whenever it arises for me. Instead of seeing failure as a setback, I can view it as an opportunity for growth and learning. It’s true data collection. Every attempt, whether successful or not, provides valuable insights that can guide you toward eventual success.
Piece of Advice: Adopt a growth mindset by reminding yourself that every step, no matter how small, is progress. Keep a journal where you document both your successes and the lessons learned from setbacks. Reflecting on this can help you see the value in each experience and reduce the fear of failure. I now live by this mantra: Baby steps are still steps. It puts a lot of this “trial-and-error” process into perspective for me. With it, I’m able to give myself way more grace as I embark down new paths on my wellness journey.
Information Overload: Simplifying The Approach to Wellness
The Dilemma of Too Much Information
Welcome to the age of information overload! It’s like being in a never-ending buffet of wellness tips—social media influencers with their magic potions, health blogs promising miracle cures, and that one friend who swears by their latest fad. All this advice can lead to what I like to call “analysis paralysis,” where you’re so bogged down by conflicting information that you don’t know where to start. It’s like trying to pick the perfect pair of jeans while being bombarded with every style ever made.
The internet is a wonderful place, but I think it can also a bit of a double-edged sword. The sheer volume of wellness advice can be overwhelming. Every new trend seems to promise the secret to perfect health, adding pressure to keep up with every single one. The result? Feeling stuck in a whirlwind of confusion and indecision. At one point, I wanted to know suggestions, but I, equally, wished everyone would shut the hell up so I could figure out what was going to actually help me.
How to Overcome Information Overload:
Let’s simplify things. Instead of trying to absorb every piece of advice out there, focus on one area at a time. If diet is your current focus, start with the basics of nutrition. You don’t need to adopt every diet trend that comes your way. Pick a few reliable sources to follow, and build your knowledge gradually.
Put the World on Mute and Create a Wellness Plan for YOU
A personalized plan helps you cut through the clutter and focus on what truly matters to you. By tailoring your wellness strategy to fit your lifestyle and preferences, you can create a more manageable and enjoyable path forward.
Start by identifying what aspects of wellness resonate most with you. Do you prefer structured workout routines, or do you enjoy spontaneous physical activities? Are you drawn to cooking healthy meals, or do you prefer quick, nutritious snacks? Use these preferences to create a wellness plan that feels natural and sustainable. For example, if you love yoga but hate running, then yoga should be your go-to. If meal prepping feels like a chore but you enjoy quick, healthy snacks, plan your diet around that. Personalization is the name of the game.
The Key to Overcoming Both Roadblocks: Giving Myself Grace:
Why Grace Matters
As you navigate these roadblocks, remember that giving yourself grace is crucial. Let’s face it: perfectionism is overrated. It’s okay not to have everything figured out from the start. Every wellness journey is unique, and it’s important to be kind to yourself as you find your way.
Grace allows you to approach your wellness journey with compassion. It’s about embracing imperfections and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than failures. When you give yourself permission to be imperfect, you’ll find that the journey becomes much more enjoyable and less stressful.
How to Practice Grace
Start by acknowledging that you don’t need to have it all sorted from the get-go. I know it’s easier said than done, but it’s important to celebrate every little win and understand that setbacks are just part of the process. Surround yourself with supportive people and resources that reinforce a positive, forgiving mindset. And don’t forget to cut yourself some slack—after all, you’re human, not a wellness robot! Hell, even I have days where older versions of myself will pop up. But… I’m okay, with that now, because I give myself grace enough to accept all of me… even the portions that may need to show their face from time to time.
Crafting Your Action Plan: From Overwhelmed to Empowered
Now that we’ve tackled fear and information overload, it’s time to put it all together and create an actionable plan. Here are four simple steps that helped me transition from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered and excited about my wellness journey:
Step 1
Set Realistic Goals
Start by setting achievable goals. Instead of aiming to completely transform your life overnight, set smaller, realistic targets. Want to eat healthier? Begin with incorporating one nutritious meal per day. Looking to get more active? Start with short, manageable workouts a few times a week. Remember, every small step counts!
Step 2
Develop a Plan that Fits Your Lifestyle
Create a plan that aligns with your personal preferences and daily routine. If you’re a night owl, schedule your workouts for the evening. If you love experimenting with new recipes, make meal prep a fun part of your week. The more your plan fits into your life, the more likely you are to stick with it.
Step 3
Track Your Progress and Adjust
Keep track of your progress and make adjustments as needed. Use a journal, an app, or even sticky notes to monitor your achievements and areas for improvement. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and be flexible with your plan. It’s okay to tweak things as you go along. Remember, the path you take on your wellness journey isn’t “one-size-fits-all”. It’s perfectly normal, and, in fact, encouraged, to tailor this to you.
Step 4
Seek Support and Stay Motivated
Find a support system to keep you motivated. Whether it’s friends, family, or an online community, having people to share your journey with can make a big difference. Share your goals, progress, and challenges with them, and lean on them for encouragement when needed. The cool thing about “life tools”, is that I’ve found they often come in the form of people.
So, there you have it! The roadblocks of fear and information overload don’t have to hold you back from embarking on your wellness journey. By focusing on progress rather than perfection, simplifying your approach, and practicing self-compassion, you’ll be well on your way to the first steps to a healthier, happier you.
Remember, your wellness journey is not about achieving a perfect outcome but about making meaningful progress and learning along the way. Embrace the bumps, laugh at the stumbles, and celebrate every little victory.