Cultivating what you want out of life doesn't have to be difficult, but it will require two things: persistent belief and consistent effort.

We want to feel good, look good, experience a sense of purpose, a sense of connection. We want to be loved, understood, accepted. In order to attain those things, we constantly strive toward perfection, trying to improve our image, our health, our relationships, our environment, all in order to bring about happiness.

What keeps us from being happy? What keeps us from realizing our dreams and achieving our goals? Is it lack of planning? Lack of confidence or self-worth? Or is it lack of time, accountability, or support?

Maybe, in the past you were ready. For a moment you felt unstoppable, worth the investment. You did your research, charted your course. You may have even seen progress but, in spite of your best intentions and best effort, it didn't stick.

Why didn't it stick?

"Life happened." Being human, we are bound to face adversity when creating change in our life. We can plan ahead as much as we want but sometimes things come out of left-field and we become distracted, overwhelmed, and tired. We have all been there. The point is we have to expect the unexpected, practice self-love, and do our best every day (sometimes that just means showing up). Arriving at our goals isn't about having the perfect plan. It is about practicing acceptance, letting go of guilt, and allowing yourself to start on a clean slate the next day, or the next meal.

"It was too hard or too much." Good things take time and big things are best accomplished in small, reasonable chunks. When we take on too many things at once or set unrealistic goals for ourselves we can end up depleted and defeated. Setting the bar low to start is a great way to build confidence and build momentum. You can also give yourself permission to modify your goal as your needs change.

"I wasn't getting anywhere." There is no such things as one size fits all. In order to achieve your goal to eat better, lose weight, lower stress, quit tobacco, or whatever - you need a solution that is unique to you. One that will help you maintain focus, motivation, and progress.

The truth is we are complex beings. I suppose you could say we all have split personalities. Our higher-self brings us closer to greatness while our lower-self sabotages our efforts. You know, that critical voice in your head? That voice that reminds you of your past failures and emphasizes everything that could go wrong, instead of everything that could go right. The truth is, you are wired for greatness and the first step in achieving it is believing it. When you focus on what you want and refuse to give in to your saboteur, that is where the magic happens. That is where your metamorphosis begins.

Start small. Start where you are.

Fuel your body. Practice mindful consumption by choosing real, whole foods that nourish your body. Feed your soul with gratitude, nature, and positivity.
Find your fit. Be your authentic self, not only because this is your best self, but because this is your happiest self. Pave your path and practice healthy rituals that bring about joy, meaning, and progress.
Love your life. Your body was made to move, your mind to think, your heart to feel. Invest in your well-being and create the life you want. Love yourself, be brave, fulfill your purpose, and stay connected to the people and the experiences that make you happy.
Begin your journey. Don't wait for the perfect scenario to start your wellness journey. That's not realistic. Don't overwhelm yourself either. Choose one new healthy habit to master. If you fail at first, it's okay. Learning what doesn't work will only bring you closer to what does.

As humans, we are bound to make mistakes and veer a little off course once in a while. But we also have the amazing opportunity to strive to be better and do better daily.