I used to wake up with big plans to change my life—until I hit snooze for the fifth time and lost another day.
If you’ve ever felt stuck between your desire for self-improvement and the reality of your habits, you’re not alone. I’ve walked that road too—stuck in cycles of gaming all night, binge-eating through stress, and hitting that mental wall where nothing feels possible. But here’s the truth. Change is never about flipping a switch. It’s about walking step by step in the right direction—even if you crawl on some days.
After losing over 110 pounds, giving up bad habits, and reshaping my life with intention and faith, I’ve pinpointed what actually works. Whether your goal is to get healthier, break toxic routines, reconnect spiritually, or simply be more present in your life, these seven steps can help you turn desire into real, lasting change.
Let’s keep it simple. Let’s get started.
1. Start With One Clear Reason
You don’t need a dozen goals. You just need one solid reason to start.
Ask yourself, “What hurts most right now?” Is it your energy, your weight, your anxiety, how disconnected you feel from God or your purpose? That pain point—your “why”—is where the change begins. Write it down. Keep it front and center. When the motivation fades (and it will), your reason will anchor you.
For me, it was the moment I couldn’t walk up stairs without gasping for breath. I was over 300 pounds, exhausted, and spiritually empty. That wake-up call shook me, and it became the reason I started moving.
2. Break It Down Into Micro Wins
The goal isn’t to lose 50 pounds overnight or totally transform your life in a week. The goal is to win the day.
Focus on small changes:
- Drink water before grabbing a soda
- Take a 10-minute walk after dinner
- Replace 30 minutes of phone scrolling with prayer or journaling
- Sleep an extra hour instead of binging Netflix
Small wins build momentum. Momentum builds belief. Belief is what turns hope into results.
When I was trying to lose weight, I didn’t start with two-hour workouts. I started by walking around the block. And sometimes, that was all I could manage. But I did it again the next day. And the one after that.
3. Build a Routine That Works for You
Forget the perfect morning routine on Instagram. You need something simple that fits your life and builds consistency.
Here’s what worked for me:
- Wake up at the same time every day (even weekends)
- Spend 10 minutes reading Scripture or writing down what I’m grateful for
- Do 2–4 hours of deep work in the morning while I’m freshest
- Use a “shutdown routine” where I unplug each night—not just from screens but from stress
Your routine doesn’t have to be long. It just needs to be repeatable. Especially when your motivation drops.
4. Own Your Weak Spots
We all have areas where we slip. Instead of pretending they don’t exist, own them.
For me, boredom and stress were triggers. That’s when I reached for junk food, opened up Steam, or lost hours on YouTube. So I had to get honest. I started asking, “What do I need right now?” Sometimes it was rest. Sometimes it was connection. Sometimes it was prayer.
Self-awareness changes everything. And no, it’s not about being hard on yourself. It’s about knowing what works—and what pulls you off track—so you can make better choices in the moment.
5. Strengthen Your Faith and Values
When self-will ran out, faith carried me forward.
One of the biggest changes in my life happened when I returned to my Orthodox Christian roots. I stopped trying to fix myself with willpower alone. I started asking God for help, every single day. And I realized—this isn’t just about improvement. It’s about purpose.
If you feel disconnected, try this:
- Start your day with a simple prayer—even one sentence
- Read a short passage from the Bible in the morning or before bed
- Go to church or spend 5 minutes in quiet reflection each day
Spiritual peace creates inner strength. And that strength helps you stick with your new habits—because now, they’re rooted in something deeper.
6. Celebrate Every Step Forward
You ate one healthy meal. You walked instead of sat. You got up on time today.
Celebrate it.
It’s easy to compare where we are to where we want to be and get discouraged. But improvement grows from encouragement, not shame. So be your own biggest supporter. Track your wins, even the tiny ones. Clap for yourself.
This was a game-changer for me. I used to beat myself up when I slipped. Now, I recognize progress—however small. And that mindset keeps me going long after the hype fades.
7. Surround Yourself With What Lifts You Up
Motivation doesn’t live in a vacuum. You become who you’re around. So build a circle of support.
That can include:
- A friend who wants to get healthier with you
- A church community
- Following encouraging social media accounts instead of toxic ones
- Reading or listening to content that inspires you daily
The more you're surrounded by growth-minded, faith-filled energy, the more it sinks into your own mindset. Fill your environment with reminders of your goals, your values, and your purpose. They’ll pull you forward on days you feel stuck.
Change isn’t a finish line. It’s a direction. And you don’t need to have it all figured out to begin. Take one small step today. Drink that glass of water. Say a prayer. Take a walk. Write that reason why.
What’s the one thing you can do right now—this very moment—that moves you closer to the life you want?
Start there. I’ll be cheering you on.
With you every step,
Stephen Montagne
Founder, GoodExistence.com
