Redefine Your Journey: Transformative Health Strategies for Women Over 50

As we step into a new year, I want you to pause for a moment and reflect on your goals and resolutions. What did you include about your health, wellness, and weight loss? Over the past 23 years in the health and fitness industry, I’ve heard countless aspirations: shedding pounds, gaining strength, reducing medications, conquering mountains on vacation, or fitting back into those favorite clothes hanging in your closet.

If you find yourself setting the same resolutions year after year, it’s time to break free and create an even bigger life for yourself. Let’s approach your health and weight loss journey with fresh eyes and a new mindset.

Year Planning: Your Path to Success

Embrace this three-step approach to set yourself up for lasting success.

Reflect

Carve out some quiet time to look back on the past year. What went well? What worked for you? What didn’t? This is your opportunity to gain clarity. Consider what changes you need to make to achieve your transformation. Who do you need to become to reach your goals and dreams?

What Do You Want to Create?

Imagine a life free from food addiction, guilt, or shame. Picture yourself bursting with energy and strength, enjoying the outdoors, and embracing a lifestyle that radiates confidence and vibrant health. Visualize going to bed excited for a restful night’s sleep, knowing you’ve made choices that empower you.

What If You Couldn’t Get Hurt?

Sometimes, the fear of success can hold us back. What would you have to change or give up to achieve your dreams? What will others think if you transform? Remember, fear is often just False Evidence Appearing Real. Reframe your fears as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. Confront those misconceptions and let them propel you toward greater success in every aspect of your life.

Once you navigate these three steps, you may find a renewed perspective on what you truly want and how to achieve it. To create your transformation once and for all, consider this: Who do you need to become today to be the person you envision this time next year? You must see it and believe it to achieve it.

Setting Your Standards for Success

Now that you know what you want, let’s establish a plan to help you get there.

What Standards Will You Set for Yourself?

Instead of merely setting goals and hoping for the best, it’s time to establish action-oriented standards that you’ll commit to every day. This is where you start becoming the healthiest, truest version of yourself. Decide what you want for yourself and how you need to show up to embody that person.

What Will Become Your Non-Negotiables?

Once you’ve defined your standards, create a short list of non-negotiables you commit to every day. This could be as simple as drinking 80 ounces of water or exercising for 30 minutes. These daily actions will become the foundation of your transformation.

Building New Habits into Your Routine

Habit Stacking

From the moment you wake up until you close your eyes at night, your life is shaped by habits. Recognize this as an opportunity to build new, productive habits or eliminate old, unhelpful ones. For instance, if your non-negotiable is to exercise for 30 minutes daily, place your gym shoes by the coffee maker. Let that morning ritual remind you to get moving while your coffee brews.

If avoiding late-night snacks is a goal, clear your counters and turn off the kitchen lights to signal that the kitchen is closed. 

Schedule It

If it’s not on your calendar, it won’t happen. I learned this early on, and it still holds true today. Even after 30 years of consistent workouts, I schedule my sessions. My grandmother used to say, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” So, instead of just thinking about your workouts, prioritize them. Choose two days and times each week for strength training, put them in your calendar, and set reminders to keep you accountable.

Take Action

Remember Newton’s Law: “A body in motion stays in motion.” Motivation is born from action. Embrace the discomfort that comes with change; it’s a sign of growth. If your routine isn’t yielding the results you desire, it’s time to challenge yourself. Allow yourself to feel a little uncomfortable and sore—this is where transformation happens.

Be Open to Learning Something New

Don’t let your ego stifle your growth. Embrace the opportunity to learn and try new things. Avoid the trap of quick fixes and miracle cures. Instead, dive wholeheartedly into a plan or program that resonates with you. Stay focused and consistent and watch how it propels you forward.

Journal or Track Your Progress

Document your starting point and track your journey. This practice keeps you accountable and reveals what works for you. Embrace your uniqueness and stay curious; this mindset will help you overcome barriers and plateaus. Keeping your standards visible will remind you daily of who you want to become.

Seek Help and Community

Surround yourself with supportive people who lift you up. An accountability partner can keep you on track but be cautious—if they stray from their journey, it could pull you off course too. Consider working with a professional who can provide guidance, accurate information, and the right questions to help you find your answers. As a health coach, I’m here to support you. Reach out to me at [email protected] or connect on Instagram @boundless_balance to learn how I can assist you on your transformative journey.

In Conclusion

Your transformation—whether it’s about weight loss, increased strength, or improved energy—marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Health is the cornerstone of change, and feeling strong, confident, and independent as you navigate your second act will empower you to achieve the goals and dreams you’ve set for yourself. 

So, let’s embark on this journey together. The time for transformation is now—take that first step today!