When you decide to get healthier, especially if you have diabetes, it’s like starting a transformative process. The steps you’ll take will challenge both your body and mind, but they are rewarding. It’s important to understand that this isn’t about a quick diet for fast weight loss—it’s about making sustainable changes that last a lifetime. This is what we call a “lifestyle change,” and it is key to long-term health. 

A diet is something you might try for a short period, often with strict rules, but it’s hard to maintain. A lifestyle change, on the other hand, involves learning new habits that make you feel good and that you can sustain as part of a balanced life. Whether you’re just starting or already making progress, your body will give you signals that need attention—things like energy levels, sleep, skin health, mental clarity, digestion, and even your ability to relax. 

If you overlook these signals, you could miss important cues. Recognizing your body’s feedback is essential to becoming your healthiest, most vibrant self. Your small but consistent efforts are the building blocks to a healthier, more rewarding life. 

Why Your Mindset Matters 

How you think about your health can make a huge difference. If you believe you can improve and learn new things, you’ll be better equipped to handle tough times. This kind of thinking is called a “growth mindset,” and it acts like a superpower for your brain. It fosters the belief that just because you haven’t been able to do something in the past doesn’t mean you can’t succeed now. 

You are constantly learning and growing. As humans, we are wired for physical and mental growth. You are not the same person you were five years ago, and you won’t be the same person in the future. What you do today, tomorrow, and beyond will shape your future self. 

Maybe part of your doubt is whether you can achieve your goals or believes that change isn’t possible. But there’s also a part of you that hopes for success—a part that has seen others achieve the seemingly impossible and believes it could happen for you too. That hopeful part of you is where your growth mindset can thrive. 

So, here’s a challenge: be vulnerable this week and let your hopeful, optimistic thoughts take up more space in your mind. Let them guide you toward the progress you want to achieve. 

Slow and Steady Wins the Race 

You’ve probably heard the saying, “slow and steady wins the race.” This is true when making healthy changes too. Trying to change everything at once is like sprinting in a marathon—you’ll likely get tired and want to quit. But by taking small, manageable steps, you can keep going without burning out. 

In Darren Hardy’s book The Compound Effect, he outlines a simple formula for success:

small choices + consistency + time = significant results. If you’re feeling burned out in the middle of your health journey, now is the perfect time to re-evaluate what’s working and what isn’t. More isn’t always better. Take a moment to reflect on how you can apply this formula to your health, make adjustments, and focus on what truly brings you happiness and well-being. 

It’s Okay to Have a Tough Day 

Everyone has days when things don’t go as planned—be patient with yourself. You’ve likely spent years repeating the habits you’re trying to change, so it’s natural to encounter challenges. One of the most important things on tough days is getting back to your routine, even after missing a day or two. If you slip up, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Just pick up where you left off the next day. Remember, when you start again, you’re not at square one. It’s like falling off a bike—you get back on and keep riding, improving with each try. 

Continuing with the bike analogy, it’s easier to stay balanced when you’re in motion. The slower you go, the more likely you are to fall due to gravity and lack of momentum. The same principle applies to building a healthy lifestyle. The more momentum you create, the more stable you’ll feel on your health journey. Momentum looks different for everyone, so here are some ways to keep yours going: 

• Push Through Low Motivation: When you feel unmotivated, take action toward your goal anyway, and you’ll see you can succeed even on tough days. 

• Acknowledge the Positives: Take note of what you enjoy about your new healthy habits and how they make you feel. Recognizing the benefits can help you push through challenges. 

• Stay Connected: Regularly check in with your Tula HealthCoach and your support system. Strong relationships play a huge role in success. We’re rooting for you and are here for you through the obstacles and triumphs. 

• Journal Your Feelings: Write down your thoughts and emotions as they arise. This will help you identify patterns, such as what’s present or absent when you feel unmotivated. 

Momentum isn’t about speed; it’s about consistency and staying the course. Keep going—you’re doing great! 

In the end, shifting from short-term fixes to a long-term, balanced way of living is more than just a quick adjustment—it’s a commitment to yourself for a better future. By staying positive, taking it one step at a time, and accepting that it’s okay to have a tough day, you can make these changes stick. The power is within you.  

Sending Health Your Way!

The Tula Clinical Team 

Reviewed by:
Austin, MS, RDN, CSR, LDN, CD
Aubree RN, BSN