Not Perfect, Just Closer: The Power of Tiny Health Changes
By IDS Diabetes Self-Management Specialist, Katlyn Agosta, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CDCES
We all have goals. Some are huge, long-term dreams. Others are the little promises we make to ourselves, like:
- Drink more water.
- Take that vitamin.
- Exercise more (or start).
- Relax. Stress less.
- Improve A1C or blood sugar time in range.
- Finally make that appointment.
Most people already know what they “should” be doing. The harder part is figuring out what keeps getting in the way of taking that action step.
So let’s do a quick exercise together.
Grab a piece of paper (or the notes app on your phone) and think about one health goal you’ve been struggling to move toward.
Got it? Now write down the answer to this question:
What is keeping me from moving closer to this goal?
Don’t overthink it. Just brain dump. Write whatever comes to mind.
You might end up with things like:
- “I don’t have time.”
- “I’m exhausted after work.”
- “I don’t like to cook.”
- “Healthy food is expensive.”
- “I start strong, then fall off a cliff.”
- “I don’t know where to start.”
- “I’m taking care of everyone else first.”
- “I feel embarrassed about how far off track I’ve gotten.”
Most health goals fail because people try to overhaul their entire life overnight.
That almost never works.
Real change usually starts much smaller. Instead of focusing on the giant end goal, ask yourself:
What is one small action that would move me slightly closer?
Not perfect. Just closer.
Tiny changes sound unimpressive, but they build momentum. Momentum builds confidence. Confidence builds consistency. And consistency matters a whole lot more than perfection.
I see this all the time in healthcare. People think they need more discipline, when what they really need is a realistic plan that actually fits their life. That’s especially true for busy adults juggling work, kids, stress, finances, aging parents, chronic health conditions… honestly, life in general.
You do not need to become a completely different person overnight. You just need a starting point.
One action to move you forward instead of keeping you stuck that you could start today.
