Think of getting healthy like learning to swim. There are certain skills you develop in the shallow end of the pool and others you master in the deep end.
You wouldn’t deep dive into the ocean without first learning how to stay afloat in the shallow end.
While the skills you learn in the shallow end will support you in the deep, the skills for the deep end aren’t necessary in the shallow.
The key to lasting progress lies in recognizing where you are in your health journey and understanding which skills are most relevant to your current phase. If you’ve ever felt like your progress and motivation don’t last, it’s likely because you weren’t clear on the next best step to take.
Most people go through five phases of health improvement during their lifetime, though not always in a specific order:
General Health Improvement
Fat Loss
Getting Stronger
Performance Enhancement
Cellular Health Optimization
The ability to categorize information correctly is essential for reducing overwhelm.
Start by choosing the phase that feels most relevant to you. Once you’ve identified your focus, filter all the health advice you encounter through this simple question: “Does this information help me stay afloat, or does it make me feel like I’m drowning?” In other words, does it feel supportive or overwhelming?
Every tip, trick, and recipe has a time and place where it’s most impactful. Organize the information you come across into its rightful category: your current phase of health improvement. Doing so will help you avoid confusion and maximize results.
Here are some examples to help you identify and strategize for each phase:
1. General Health Improvement
Focus on building foundational habits to reduce disease risk and boost energy.
Examples:
Increasing physical activity
Reducing sugar and alcohol consumption
Drinking more water
Managing stress
Quitting smoking
Incorporating enjoyable activities
2. Fat Loss
Prioritize methods that support calorie balance, hormonal health, and overall well-being.
Examples:
Low-carb diets or fasting
Stress reduction
Sleep improvement
Specific workout routines
Increasing calorie expenditure while decreasing intake
3. Getting Stronger
Concentrate on exercises and nutrition that build muscle and enhance recovery.
Examples:
Strength-training routines
Increased protein intake
Supplementation
Timing meals around workouts
4. Performance Enhancement
Optimize your body for agility, endurance, and recovery.
Examples:
Advanced exercise methods for muscle building
Joint mobility and stretching
Adequate rest and recovery
Strategic meal timing
5. Cellular Health Optimization
Support cellular function to address deeper health concerns.
Examples:
Choosing organic foods
Understanding metabolic dysfunction
Managing glycemic load/index
Avoiding plastics in food storage
Addressing autoimmune conditions
By identifying the phase of health improvement you’re focused on, you can quickly determine which advice is relevant to your goals and save the rest for later. This approach will simplify your journey, reduce overwhelm, and keep you on track for lasting success.
Ready to take the next step in your health journey? Start by identifying your current phase and the skills you need to succeed. If you’re unsure where to begin or want personalized support, join my accountability group! Together, we’ll cut through the noise, create a plan tailored to your needs, and keep you motivated every step of the way.
Click [here] to learn more and get started today!
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