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Hey Reader,

I’ve lost count of the ‘hacks’ and tricks I’ve tried over the years to make new habits stick. From set routines and to-do lists, to time management software and meditative breathing.

But let’s be honest here. Most of these tips that promise us results can often feel like an added burden in themselves.

When it comes to making fitness or diet changes, I’ve found over the years that less is more. An emphasis on shifting your mindset can actually pave the way for new habits to thrive.

Here are a few of my ‘hacks’ that I’ve shared with clients that have really helped:

No room for perfection

The number one reason people struggle to get started (or even stay consistent) is that they feel every aspect of their life needs to be perfect. Our workouts need to be perfect. Food needs to be perfect. Then one little slip up leaves us wondering “what’s the point” before throwing in the towel.

Please remember: it’s really not that serious. That might be weird to hear me say, but it’s true. We aren’t looking to break records and there is no competition here. Take the pressure off and please stop beating yourself up. We embrace the messy inconsistency.

Small changes. Big wins.

This is something I speak about right from the start with my personal training clients. In order to make ‘healthier’ choices a habit, you need to make small (and often seemingly insignificant) life changes that eventually lead to bigger changes over time. Walk for just five minutes longer. Add in one workout a week. Add just one extra vegetable serving a day. Start small. You’ll be amazed at how well things snowball.

⁠Reflection

Now this might sound like it’s straight out of a ‘mindfulness’ guru handbook, but it’s something that has worked really well for me. You need to focus a little bit less on the daunting tasks that lay ahead and more on how far you’ve come.

There’s immense power that comes in celebrating the journey of getting to where you are now. Even if you’re just at the start of your journey, be proud of the fact you’ve made the decision to create sustainable change in your life.

Let me know if you try any of these out!

Your coach,

Michael

P.S. - have you tried my delicious protein smoothie recipes yet?