TinaJourney of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step: Small Changes, Big Impact in Perimenopause
When you think about making a major change in your life—whether it’s to your health, mindset, or fitness—it can feel completely overwhelming. You see the long road ahead and wonder, “How am I going to get there?” But here’s the truth: you don’t have to do it all at once. A journey of a thousand miles really does begin with a single step, and for many of us, that first step is the hardest part. But it doesn’t have to be.
If you’re navigating perimenopause, you might already feel like you’re dealing with so many shifts and challenges. It’s easy to get caught up in thinking about all the things you need to change to feel better—diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and more. But trying to overhaul everything at once? That’s daunting, exhausting, and honestly, it rarely works.
So, what if instead of looking at the big picture and feeling overwhelmed, you focused on just one thing—one small step that you can take today? That’s how real, lasting change happens: through tiny, micro changes that build up over time. You don’t need to fix everything right now. You just need to ask yourself, “What’s one tiny thing I can incorporate today?”
Why Small Changes Matter
When I was standing in front of the mirror, feeling defeated and unsure about my future, it was easy to see everything that was wrong. My energy was gone, I didn’t recognize my body, and I felt like I had no control over my health. I wanted to change it all, and fast. But after trying every quick-fix solution out there, I realized that true transformation doesn’t happen overnight.
It wasn’t about finding the perfect diet or fitness plan. It was about making small, manageable changes that eventually led to big results. For me, it started with simply paying attention to my body—how certain foods made me feel, how my energy levels fluctuated throughout the day, and how I could improve my sleep. Then it was about incorporating nutrient-dense foods that nourished me, one meal at a time. Over time, those small steps added up, and my health started to improve.
Start with One Step
It’s easy to get stuck in the mindset of “I have to do everything right now.” But the reality is, the most sustainable changes happen when you break it down into bite-sized pieces. Ask yourself: What’s one tiny thing you can do today that will move you closer to feeling like your best self?
- Maybe it’s swapping out that sugary afternoon snack for a handful of nuts or a piece of beef jerky.
- Maybe it’s committing to five minutes of movement, whether it’s a walk around the block or stretching at your desk.
- Or maybe it’s shifting your mindset by focusing on gratitude, acknowledging something positive about your day, or reframing a negative thought.
Set Yourself Up for Success with SMART Goals
One of the most powerful tools to guide these small, daily changes is setting SMART goals—goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It’s not just about setting vague goals like “I want to feel better” or “I want to lose weight.” SMART goals break down the big changes you want into specific, actionable steps you can track over time.
For example, instead of saying, “I want to eat healthier,” a SMART goal might be, “I will add one serving of leafy greens to my lunch every day for the next two weeks.” By setting specific parameters, you’re giving yourself a roadmap to follow, making it much easier to stay on track and see progress.
The best part about SMART goals? They help keep you motivated, even when the journey feels long. Every small victory becomes measurable, and over time, those small wins add up to big changes.
You Don’t Have to Do It All—Just Do Something
I know it can feel like there’s so much you need to change, but I want you to take a breath and remember: change doesn’t have to be dramatic or fast. What’s one thing you can do right now to start feeling better?
Maybe it’s downloading our simple SMART Goal workbook to help you map out these small, actionable steps. Maybe it’s taking a short walk today, drinking an extra glass of water, or adding more protein to your dinner tonight. Whatever it is, it’s enough. Each step is enough.
Your journey through perimenopause doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t have to have all the answers right now. You just have to take that first step.
Download our free SMART Goal workbook here and take that first small step toward a healthier, more empowered you. You’ve got this. One step at a time.
