Author: Alayna Lopez
Have you ever stopped to think about how blessed we are to have modern technology? I once heard someone say that all the technology the average American has is equivalent to something like 100 servants—and honestly, I believe it. Think about the convenience we enjoy today—tossing clothes into a washer or dryer, letting the dishwasher handle the cleanup, watching a robot vacuum quietly take care of the floors, food processors that slice and chop with ease, and, of course, our phones that can do just about anything. It’s incredible how much time-saving technology we have at our fingertips.
But even with all of this modern convenience, do you know what we have in common with people from hundreds of years ago? We all go through changes throughout life, whether we initiate them or not. And while you can’t stop change from coming, it’s important to understand that change, though challenging at times, can be a good thing.
These changes might throw us off, especially if we’re in the midst of developing new habits or working toward big goals. However, rather than letting these changes derail our efforts, we can plan ahead for them. By thinking about these shifts before they happen, we can better prepare and remain consistent.
Planning for Common Life Changes
Let’s dive into some of the most common life changes and explore how you can stay on track when they happen.
Traveling for Vacations
Vacations are a time to unwind and recharge, but they can also be a major disruption to your normal routines. Traveling often means new surroundings, different time zones, and a lack of access to your usual resources. When you’re away, it’s easy to lose track of your goals. It can be tempting to think of vacation as a break from your goals, but I find when I fall into this trap it can be harder to get back on track once I return home.
How to Plan Ahead
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Prepack and Prepare: Before you leave, think ahead about how you’ll continue your routines while on vacation. Plan to pack and take your Balance of Nature supplements to keep up with your daily routine. Are there healthy snacks or foods you can bring along or find easily at your destination?
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Set New, Realistic Goals for Vacation: Allow yourself to be flexible. Instead of aiming to hit your usual targets, consider adjusting your goals for the duration of your trip. Shift your focus to hydration, relaxation, or simply maintaining your habits while traveling.
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Stay Consistent: Plan your travel days so that you’re prepared for any distractions. For example, if you’re on a long flight, you might want to take your supplements before the flight to keep on track.
Taking on a New Job
A new job can bring excitement and new opportunities, but it can also throw your routine out the window. Adjusting to new work hours, learning new tasks, and navigating a new workplace can take up a lot of mental and physical energy.
How to Plan Ahead
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Block Out Time for Your Goals: Schedule time each day for the activities that keep you on track, whether that’s your habits or personal goals. A new job might disrupt your schedule, but it’s important to prioritize the activities that keep you balanced.
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Reevaluate Your Routine: With a new job, it may be necessary to adjust your daily routine. Evaluate your schedule and plan a new time to hit some of your goals. Consider waking up a little earlier or adjusting your lunch break to make time for personal care.
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Stay Flexible: If your job requires unexpected late nights or early mornings, adjust your goals and routines accordingly. Flexibility is key to maintaining consistency without feeling stressed. Consider setting small, flexible goals if your schedule is inconsistent.
Moving to a New Home
Moving is one of the most stressful life changes, and it can take a toll on both your physical and mental well-being. Packing, organizing, setting up utilities, and managing all the logistics can leave little time for anything else.
How to Plan Ahead
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Prepare in Advance: Before the move, try to maintain as much of your routine as possible. Pack nonessential items first and leave your daily essentials for last, like your Balance of Nature supplements, workout gear, or anything that supports your goals.
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Prioritize Self-Care: Moving can feel overwhelming, but don’t forget that spiritual/mental health is essential to the Triad of Health. Schedule moments for rest, stretch breaks, and healthy meals even during the busiest days. If possible, keep a simple routine for a few weeks to ease the transition.
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Set Small Goals for the Move: Break the move down into smaller tasks, and celebrate each accomplishment along the way. Whether it’s getting your kitchen unpacked or setting up a space for relaxation, setting small, manageable goals will help you stay motivated. Once you’ve settled in, you can transition those goals into your previous goals.
Committing to New Activities
When we take on new hobbies or responsibilities—whether it’s a fitness routine, a side project, or volunteering—we often become overwhelmed by the new time commitment. This can lead to feeling pulled in too many directions, making it harder to stay on track with other goals.
How to Plan Ahead
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Balance New Commitments: Look at how your new activity fits into your current schedule. Can you adjust your goals to reflect the time commitment of this new activity? It’s important to find balance and make sure that you’re not overwhelming yourself.
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Set Realistic Expectations: If you’re committing to something new, set goals that are achievable and in alignment with your current responsibilities. For example, if you’re adding a new fitness activity, try not to overdo it. Start with small, manageable sessions and build from there.
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Stay Organized: Keep track of your commitments and goals with a planner or calendar. This will help you visualize how your new activities fit into your schedule and prevent you from overloading yourself.
Final Thoughts
Life changes are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean they have to throw us off course. By planning ahead and making small adjustments to our routines, we can navigate these changes without losing sight of our goals. It’s all about staying flexible, being consistent, and giving ourselves grace during the ups and downs.
One powerful way to stay motivated during change is to celebrate progress—no matter how small. When life gets hectic and you still show up for yourself, that’s worth recognizing. Rewarding yourself for sticking to your goals helps reinforce those habits and makes the journey feel even more meaningful.
Not sure how to reward yourself in a way that supports your goals? We’ve got a whole blog to help you find meaningful ways to stay motivated!
Change is constant, but your progress doesn’t have to pause. Keep going—you’ve got this!
