How Finding Your 'Why' Is the Key to Lasting Health Changes

Have you ever suffered from False Hope Syndrome? It's that optimistic feeling you get on the first of January when you promise to go to the gym four times a week and stop counting chocolate as a food group. These expectations of ourselves initially make us feel positive and in control despite having tried and failed the same New Year's Resolutions year after year. Ultimately, we end up beating ourselves up and falling back into our unhealthy habits. How do we make health changes that actually last?

The path towards health and wellness is not just a physical journey but a spiritual and emotional one. It's about finding the motivations and intentions that inspire change within us. Understanding your personal 'why'—the core reason behind your desire for change—is not just a step toward better health; it's the foundation upon which we build all sustainable health habits. This deeper understanding can empower you, unlocking a profound sense of purpose and commitment, essential for lasting healthy lifestyle changes.

The Power of Purpose in Health

At the heart of every health journey is a question: "Why do I want to change?" This question is about more than just achieving a number on the scales or following a doctor's recommendation; it's about connecting with your deeper values and desires. Whether you want to quit smoking or enjoy better physical and mental well-being, your 'why' is your anchor. A robust psychological framework backs this concept and has been explored by thought leaders like Simon Sinek, Nir Eyal, and James Clear. It provides a powerful blueprint for anyone looking to make lasting health changes.

Imagine your family doctor has advised you to lose weight and improve your diet. If you start by focusing on what you need to do (e.g., eating less sugar) and how to do it (e.g., removing all sugar from your home), you might start well but soon lose motivation. However, if you start with why (e.g., to live longer and play actively with your grandchildren), the how and what becomes more impactful and the motivation more sustainable.

Transforming Intentions into Actions

Recognising your 'why' is just the beginning. The true challenge lies in translating these insights into daily actions. This process involves setting up systems that make sticking to your new habits feel natural and manageable. We've all had the experience of sabotaging our own health goals, so planning how to deal with potential distractions or difficulties is vital. But remember, it's not about being perfect. It's about learning to be resilient and adaptable. Breaking down your health goals into small, manageable habits that align with your 'why' makes the new healthful habits more doable and less daunting.

The Ripple Effect of Small Changes 

Small, incremental lifestyle adjustments are often more effective than sweeping changes. These tiny steps forward can compound over time, leading to significant transformations. Starting with small, manageable changes allows you to experience victories early on, reinforcing your motivation and solidifying your habits. A simple start could be substituting one unhealthy snack with a piece of fruit or a few minutes of meditation. In his book 'Atomic Habits', author James Clear talks about the concept of habit stacking. This involves adding a new, desired habit onto a current behaviour. A patient of mine, let's call her Jan, is a fantastic example of habit stacking. Jan struggled to lose weight but couldn't find time to fit in any physical activity. I suggested that whenever she put the kettle on to make a cup of tea, she could do ten repetitions of an exercise, such as squats or push-ups against the kitchen bench. Over three months, Jan incorporated ten repetitions of various exercises into other habits during her day and found that she not only managed to lose weight but also felt much more energetic.

Learning from the Environment 

Your environment is a powerful influencer of your behaviour. By immersing yourself in a community that shares your health goals, you can enhance your ability to succeed. Whether through community groups, wellness workshops, or social media platforms promoting a healthy lifestyle, the sense of community and support can be a game-changer. A fantastic study published in 2021 showed that health can be contagious. The researchers looked at more than 20,000 people and found that ratings of their health correlate closely to the health of others in their immediate community.

Similarly, researchers from Harvard Medical School found that when someone gains weight, the people in their social and family circles are significantly more likely also to gain weight. The most surprising part of this study was that geographical distance between people didn't have any effect, so if you have a sibling living overseas who gains weight, you are dramatically more likely to gain weight, too. Observing and spending time with others successfully walking a path like yours can inspire and motivate you, showing you what is possible.

The Spiritual Side of Staying Accountable 

Sharing your goals and progress can significantly boost your commitment. This accountability can provide encouragement, advice, and empathy when shared with someone who understands and supports your 'why'. It also offers an opportunity to reflect on your journey holistically, looking at the physical outcomes and emotional and spiritual growth.

Practical Steps to Connect with Your Why 

Look within:

Invest time in understanding your most profound reasons for wanting to change. What is at the heart of your desire for health?

Set Intentions, Not Just Goals:

Align your daily intentions with your values. Instead of just setting health goals, think about how these goals reflect your deeper values. Do you want to lose weight to fit into your new jeans, or do you want to lose weight to feel more energetic and play with your kids?

Create Rituals:

Build rituals that connect your actions to your desired outcomes. For example, begin each day with a short meditation to remind yourself of your commitments to your health and well-being or go for a 10-minute walk after dinner to help improve your metabolism.

Cultivate a Supportive Environment:

Spend time with people who support your health goals. Try a yoga class or spend time with friends who share your commitment to wellness. A colleague I usually meet with over coffee recently suggested we have a walking meeting. After 45 minutes of walking and chatting, my mind was much clearer, and the meeting was more productive than if we had been sitting at the café.

Embrace Consistency Over Perfection:

Focus on consistency rather than perfection. Celebrate each small, consistent step in the right direction as a victory.

Reflect and Adapt:

Reflect on your progress regularly, and feel free to adjust your approach. This flexibility allows you to respond to life's changes while staying true to your spiritual and health goals.

In a nutshell 

Integrating your values with your health goals makes your path to health more than a series of tasks—it becomes a journey of personal growth and fulfilment. Remember, finding and embracing your 'why' is not just about discovering the reason to start; it's about having the inspiration to continue, no matter the challenges you face.