“So if you’re looking to start changing yourself, start small. Take the first step and don’t worry about whether that first step will result in a marathon. Do that enough times, and you’ll look back to discover you’ve surpassed the marathon.” – Me

I wrote these as the closing words in a blog 5 years ago today; yes, I’m writing this in advance of New Year’s Day. I plan to welcome in 2021 with hope, but also peace, which means I may very well choose not to be online New Year’s Day.

The advice I gave, then, still holds true today. The pace is different because as time goes on, the things that seemed huge leaps years ago, are now more like baby steps. It’s a change in perspective, not a change in the process.

On New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, I’ll feast. I’ll gain weight. And then, anything I think is too much of a temptation will be removed from the house. I’ll start the increments once more, much the same way I did in September, 2013, except getting back on track is much easier than it once was. What used to take me weeks to accomplish, now takes days, or less. What I considered a “marathon” years ago is more like a walk around the block.

It’s easier, mostly because I’ve already done so much of the work. I know what works for me, now, and that’s admittedly one of the biggest challenges of successful weight loss: finding out what works for me. In the long run, that’s the only challenge that matters; once you figure that out, the rest becomes easier.

My new year will be the one in which I accomplish my final objective: improving my health to a point where I’m able to shift into maintenance. That seemed impossible years ago.

What will it be for you?

If you’re starting a journey toward better health, please take the time to be honest with yourself about what has worked for you, before, and what hasn’t. What you’re willing to change. What you’re willing to do to become successful. And then — take the first step. Soon, the steps become easier, and the successes sweeter.

Happy New Year!