By Radley West
“A single setback doesn’t erase your progress; it’s just one chapter in the story.”
We’ve all been there. You start a new workout routine or healthy eating plan full of motivation and good intentions. Progress feels exciting, and the changes keep you moving forward. Then life happens. Work gets busy, family needs your attention, or you simply lose steam. Before you know it, weeks have passed since your last workout, and your healthy habits have faded into the background.
Falling off track is not a sign of failure. It is a sign that you are human. The truth is, no one’s journey is perfectly straight. The people who succeed long-term are not the ones who never stumble; they are the ones who learn how to start again.
The first step to getting back on track is letting go of guilt. Beating yourself up over lost time only keeps you stuck. Accept what happened, remind yourself that you’ve made progress before, and decide today is the day you begin again.
Start small. You do not have to jump back into your old routine all at once. If it’s been a while since you exercised, commit to short, manageable workouts. If your nutrition has slipped, focus on one meal or snack at a time. Small wins build momentum, and momentum is what gets you moving again.
Revisit your why. Think about the reason you started in the first place. Was it to feel stronger? Have more energy? Improve your health? Reconnecting with your deeper motivation will help reignite your drive.
Set yourself up for success by making your environment work for you. Lay out your workout clothes the night before. Keep healthy snacks within reach. Schedule exercise in your calendar just like you would an important meeting. Removing barriers makes it easier to follow through.
Surround yourself with support. A workout partner, coach, or accountability group can give you the encouragement you need to stay consistent. Sometimes, knowing someone is in your corner is enough to get you out the door.
Finally, remember that getting back on track is not about making up for lost time; it’s about moving forward from where you are right now. Every healthy choice you make is a step in the right direction.
Falling off track is not the end of your journey. It is just a detour. You can start again today, and in a few weeks, you’ll be glad you did.
Radley West is married to Dr. Andrew West and together they own Anytime Fitness Lake Murray and 33/18 Chiropractic Associates. Radley is a gym owner and personal trainer with more than 20 years of experience helping people achieve non-traditional health goals. She and her team approach fitness by teaching clients to build better habits and create sustainable, feel-good fitness and nutrition routines—no need for intense six-pack aspirations (unless that’s your thing).
