We all know someone who is always talking about getting healthy. They tell us all of their big plans, how they are going to start their new “diet” or “lifestyle” on a specific date, and how this time it is “for real”. They may jump from program to program, ones that promise quick results and minimal commitment, but when it comes down to it, the programs don’t deliver like they expect and they don’t get the results. They think that a program is what is going to change their health, when in reality they are responsible for their own health, and their own choices.

Unfortunately many of these people are our own loved ones, and we see them struggle with their health and their weight for years, never fully able to commit and change their lifestyle. They may be fellow drivers or people in the industry, people we want to see succeed and thrive. You may even be reading this thinking, ‘Oh no, is this article about me?’ If it is, don’t feel ashamed. I’m only trying to help readers take an honest look at their lifestyle and their actions, and what could be keeping them from their best health. So what is it that is holding these people back from getting the results they want and deserve? Are they just lazy, and unwilling to put in the work? No, that’s not it at all. Typically, these people make a bigger deal out of the entire process of getting healthy.

They build it up in their heads, assuming it will require an entire lifestyle overhaul and will strip them of their favorite foods and hobbies. What they tend to forget is that getting healthy is anything but that. It’s surprisingly simple, requires minimal time and effort, and can be easily built right into their lifestyle. All it comes down to is a choice;a small, immediate choice, to be exact. A simple choice to eat a grilled chicken burger instead of a fried one, or to go for a walk at the end of the day instead of going straight to watching TV. By making these small choices consistently, day after day, a healthy lifestyle starts to emerge. It’s not from talking about it, planning it out, or thinking about it.

As you read this, you may be thinking, ‘No, there’s more to it than that. There’s no time, it’s not that easy,’ but is that really true? Or, are you allowing a story you’re telling yourself to keep you from living your best, healthiest life? Stop overthinking it, stop making excuses, and start making healthy choices. The next time you have an opportunity to make a choice, make the healthier one and take action on it. For example, what will you do immediately after reading this article? Since you’re not driving, I challenge you to get up and move, even if for only 10 minutes. What you do for an activity is your choice (that’s the beauty of it), but you have to choose to take action, now.