Let me paint you a picture: It’s December, and I’m bundled up in my coziest sweater, sipping on a morning espresso while my dogs eye me with that “isn’t it walk time yet?” look. Like most people, I could easily push off my wellness goals until January. You know the drill – “New Year, New Me” and all that jazz. But here’s the thing: why wait for an arbitrary date to start feeling better?
I’ll let you in on a secret that’s actually not so secret: starting your transformation journey in December is like finding a shortcut to success. While everyone else is nursing their holiday hangovers and frantically googling “how to lose weight fast” on January 1st, you could already be weeks into your journey, riding that sweet wave of momentum.
Think about it – December is actually the perfect testing ground. If you can make healthy choices while surrounded by cookie platters and eggnog (which, let’s be honest, nobody really likes but drinks anyway), imagine how unstoppable you’ll be in January when the temptations ease up. It’s like training with weights on – once you take them off, you’re practically superhuman.
And here’s what really gets me excited: the small wins you’ll see almost immediately. I’m not talking about dramatic transformations that belong on late-night infomercials. I’m talking about real, tangible improvements that make you feel like you’ve got your life together (even if your holiday shopping isn’t done yet).
For instance, just by adding a 10-minute walk to your day (yes, even in the cold – we’re tough cookies), you’ll notice your energy levels perking up. Swap out one sugary holiday drink for water, and suddenly you’re sleeping better. Do some evening stretches while watching your favorite holiday movie, and that morning stiffness starts to fade. These might seem like tiny changes, but they’re like little snowballs rolling down a hill – they pick up momentum and grow into something bigger.
The best part? These small improvements are actually setting you up for lasting change. It’s like planting seeds in the winter – by the time spring rolls around, you’ve got a gorgeous garden of healthy habits ready to bloom. Every time you choose a walk over a Netflix binge or grab a piece of fruit instead of another candy cane, you’re not just making a choice for today – you’re building a foundation for tomorrow.
Let’s be real for a second: starting now isn’t about depriving yourself of holiday joy or turning into a fitness robot who only eats kale (though kale can be delicious, fight me on this). It’s about making small, intentional choices that help you feel good during a season that can often leave us feeling sluggish and overwhelmed.
And speaking of feeling good, I’m actually putting together a winter fitness plan that’s all about sustainable, enjoyable movement. No frozen outdoor boot camps or sad salads required. We’re talking about finding ways to stay active and energized that actually fit into our real lives – because let’s face it, we’ve all got enough on our plates during the holidays without adding complicated workout routines to the mix.
Here’s what I want you to remember: every day you wait is a missed opportunity to feel better, stronger, and more confident. The best time to start was yesterday, but the second-best time is today (and today is looking pretty good, if you ask me). You don’t need to overhaul your entire life or commit to running a marathon. Just start with one small change – drink an extra glass of water, take a walk around the block, or spend five minutes stretching.
Think about how amazing it will feel to wake up on January 1st already ahead of the game. While everyone else is dealing with the “New Year, New Me” overwhelm, you’ll be confidently building on the foundation you started in December. Plus, no hangover! (That alone is worth starting now, trust me.)
So here’s my challenge to you: pick one small thing you can do today to start your journey. It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or life-changing. It just has to be a step forward. Maybe it’s swapping your afternoon soda for sparkling water, or doing some stretches while your coffee brews, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Whatever it is, do it today, and then do it again tomorrow.
Remember, transformation isn’t about perfect timing – it’s about starting where you are and building from there. And if you ask me, there’s no better time to start than right now, in the midst of holiday chaos, when every small healthy choice feels like a personal victory.
So what do you say? Are you ready to get a head start on those New Year’s resolutions? Your future self will thank you – and so will I when I see you crushing your goals while everyone else is still writing their resolutions list.
Now if you’ll excuse me, my dogs are giving me that look again. Time for our daily walk – because small steps today lead to big changes tomorrow!
All my love,
Lisa Renee