I hear this all the time…
“I just can’t get motivated.”
Or another common one…
“I’m going to start meal prepping or meditating when I get my motivation up.”
I get it… but I also know a secret that I really want YOU to know, too.
Your fastest way to get (and stay) motivated? Take action. Do the thing ANYWAY—even when you don’t feel like it.
The Pressure of High Expectations in Midlife Health
Let’s be real—menopause is a whole new ballgame. One minute, you’re feeling fine, and the next, you’re wondering why your favorite jeans won’t button and why you’re sweating like you just ran a marathon (even though you’re literally just sitting there).
A lot of women in perimenopause through postmenopause set sky-high expectations for their health, and that’s not exactly a bad thing. But maybe you’ve told yourself, This time, I’m cutting out all sugar, working out every day, and losing 10 pounds by next month! Sound familiar? The problem? That “all-or-nothing” thinking leads to stress, burnout, and let’s be honest, probably diving face-first into a pint of dairy-free ice cream (no judgment here!).
Instead of setting yourself up for frustration, what if you gave yourself permission to lower the bar and actually enjoy the process of feeling better?
Source: PMC

The Science Behind Small, Sustainable Changes
Our brain is not a fan of big, overwhelming goals. When we try to change everything at once, our nervous system goes into overdrive, flooding our body with stress hormones (hello, cortisol!). High cortisol levels can actually increase belly fat, mess with your sleep, and leave you feeling exhausted—definitely not the results you’re looking for.
But when you make small, realistic changes, your brain and body respond with a sense of relief. You’re not fighting against yourself—you’re working with your body. And guess what? That leads to better metabolism, balanced hormones, and results that actually stick. Another reason why you should set the bar low—your body thrives on small, manageable steps rather than overwhelming, drastic changes.
Source: Wave
The Power of Micro-Habits for Menopause Wellness
Here’s the truth: the little things do add up. You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Instead, try these tiny shifts:
- Drink an extra glass of water when you wake up.
- Walk around the block after dinner instead of scrolling on your phone.
- Add one extra serving of protein to your meals.
It may not seem like much, but these small habits compound over time. Before you know it, you’ll have more energy, better digestion, and improved metabolism—all without feeling like you’re on some impossible health journey.
Breaking Free from Perfectionism in Health & Nutrition
Repeat after me: Progress over perfection.
One more time:
Progress over perfection.
One “off” day does not mean you’ve failed. Skipping a workout doesn’t erase all your progress. And no, eating that slice of cake at your friend’s birthday party does not mean your health goals are ruined.
The best approach? The 80/20 rule. Focus on eating nourishing, whole foods 80% of the time, and allow yourself flexibility the other 20%. That means you can enjoy your favorite treats without guilt and still see results. It’s all about balance, not restriction.

Practical Ways to Lower The Bar & Still See Results
If the idea of committing to a strict health plan makes you want to take a nap, good news—you don’t have to. Instead, try these easy wins:
- Nutrition: Focus on adding one extra serving of vegetables per day. That’s it.
- Exercise: A five-minute stretch in the morning counts as movement. No gym required.
- Mindset: Celebrate every small win, whether it’s choosing a healthy snack or getting to bed 30 minutes earlier. Your brain thrives on positive reinforcement!
Final Thoughts: Permission to Simplify
Here’s your permission slip: You do not have to do it all to be healthy. Lowering the bar doesn’t mean giving up—it means being smart about your energy and time. It means making doable changes that fit into your life, not turning your life upside down to chase an unrealistic standard.
SET THE BAR LOW. And take action — ASAP.
Let go of the guilt, stop aiming for perfection, and start celebrating every step forward—no matter how small. This is why you should set the bar low—it makes health and wellness feel achievable, enjoyable, and most importantly, sustainable. Because that’s where real, lasting health begins. 💛
My Gift To You!
If you need some help when it comes to shedding the menopause middle, feeling better & reducing brain fog, I’m here for you.
From setting goals to taking that all-important action, I’ve helped more than a thousand ladies go from feeling bloated & uncomfortable in their clothes, energy dragging and feeling like they just can’t get it together to truly feeling great, loving their body and their life.
Let’s make it simple—book a FREE 15-minute session with me, you can easily set a time below, and see how easy it was to take action.
+ show Comments
- Hide Comments
add a comment