Why Taking the First Step Towards Change Feels So Hard – And How To Finally Begin

Have you been thinking about making a change to your health and lifestyle for weeks, months, or even years? Perhaps you’ve read countless articles, watched videos, and told yourself, “Tomorrow I’ll start.” But somehow, tomorrow keeps moving further away.

If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. In fact, this is one of the most universal challenges I see in my work – whether in my NHS clinic, online, or even in my own life. That struggle to take the very first step.

We know that change could improve our health, energy, and even our future. We may desperately want it. Yet that first step seems impossible. Why? Let’s take a closer look at what’s really going on – and how you can break free from the cycle of waiting, hesitating, and feeling stuck.

Why We Struggle to Start

It’s not laziness. It’s not lack of willpower. And it’s not that you don’t care enough. The truth runs deeper.

Our brains are wired to protect us from risk, discomfort, and uncertainty. Starting something new – even something positive – feels like a leap into the unknown. Those protective parts of our brain whisper: “Not now. Not yet. Wait until you’re sure. Wait until you can do it perfectly.”

This is why so many people describe the same feeling: “I just can’t seem to start.”

We label it procrastination, but it’s more than that. It’s your mind keeping you “safe” from disappointment, failure, or the vulnerability of trying and getting it wrong. The irony? The longer we wait, the harder it feels to begin.

We start believing our own excuses:

• “I’m just not motivated enough.”
  
• “I’ll start after the holiday.”
  
• “Work is too busy right now.”
  

But life rarely becomes less busy, and the “perfect moment” never arrives.

The Five Most Common Reasons We Delay

After years of working with people who want to lose weight, reverse type 2 diabetes, or simply feel better in themselves, I see the same stories play out time and time again.

Here are the five most common reasons people delay making changes:

1. “I don’t have time.”
   Life feels too full – with work, family, and endless to-do lists. But is it truly that you have no time? Could you spare thirty minutes a week to reflect on your health, or cook just one nourishing meal? Time is rarely the real problem.
   
   
2. “I don’t have willpower.”
   Many people believe success depends on some magical supply of self-control. But willpower isn’t fixed. Often, people who “fail” aren’t weak – they’re just using strategies that don’t work for them.
   
   
3. “I’ll start after…”
   This sneaky tactic convinces us that change must wait until things calm down. But there’s always another holiday, busy season, or reason to wait. If you want to improve your health, the best time to start is now – even in the middle of the chaos.
   
   
4. “I’ve tried everything before.”
   Past attempts can leave you weary or disheartened. But most diets and quick-fix plans aren’t designed for real life. Your previous struggles don’t prove you can’t do it – they prove you care enough to try again.
     
5. “It’s too late for me.”
   Perhaps the most painful belief of all. But I’ve seen people in their 60s, 70s, and beyond transform their health. Your body wants to heal. It’s never too late to begin.

Three Practical Tips to Finally Begin

So, how do you get unstuck? You don’t need the perfect timing, flawless willpower, or a brand-new personality. You simply need to start – right where you are, as you are.

Here are three powerful shifts that can make all the difference:

1. Let Go of Perfection

Perfectionism keeps more people paralysed than anything else. Waiting for the perfect plan, week, or mood means you may never start. Progress is always better than perfection. Allow yourself to be human, to wobble, to make mistakes. The magic happens when you keep going anyway.

2. Aim for 80%, Not 100%

True success isn’t about getting it right every single time – it’s about being consistent most of the time. If 17 out of your 21 weekly meals are balanced and nourishing, you’re doing brilliantly. Flexibility and self-compassion make habits sustainable in the long run.

3. Start Small – Really Small

Big goals are inspiring but overwhelming. The best way to begin is with one tiny, achievable step: adding an extra serving of vegetables, swapping a fizzy drink for water, or walking for five minutes after dinner. These “small wins” build confidence and momentum – and over time, they transform your health.

Your Next Step

So if you’ve been waiting for motivation to strike, let this be your sign: the first step is the most important one you’ll ever take.

It doesn’t need to be big, and it doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be yours.

If you’d like to go deeper into this, I’ve created a full video where I talk through these ideas in more detail. You can watch it here: Why Starting Healthy Habits Feels Impossible

And if you’re ready for guidance, support, and a community to help you put this into practice, I’d love to welcome you to the Blood Sugar Mastery Programme. It’s designed to help you finally move forward with confidence and clarity – one small step at a time.

Remember: You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment. You just need the courage to begin today. Your future self will thank you.