A Guide to Overcoming the Obstacles to Your Health & Wellness Goals
- Wayne Mylin
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
Introduction
Struggling to achieve your health and wellness goals? You’re not alone. Most people face common obstacles that can be identified, understood, and overcome with the right strategies.
This guide breaks down obstacles into five categories and provides actionable solutions for each. You can develop a personalized approach to success by recognizing your specific challenges.
1. Overcoming Mindset & Psychological Barriers
Obstacles in this category:
All-or-nothing thinking
Lack of motivation
Negative self-talk
Comparison trap
Perfectionism
Lack of alignment with values and needs
Strategies to Overcome These Barriers:
Shift from an “all-or-nothing” mindset to a “progress over perfection” approach.
If you miss one workout or eat an unhealthy meal, it doesn’t erase all progress. Just get back on track.
Reframe negative self-talk into self-supporting language.
Instead of: “I’ll never stick to a workout plan.”
Say: “I am learning how to make fitness a part of my life, and I am making progress.”
Find intrinsic motivation by aligning your goals with personal values.
Ask yourself: Why do I want this? How does this support the life I truly want?
Example: Instead of focusing on weight loss alone, focus on having more energy to enjoy life.
Limit comparison and focus on YOUR progress.
Social media can distort reality - mute or unfollow accounts that make you feel inadequate.
Celebrate small wins to stay motivated.
Accept imperfection and embrace learning.
Instead of seeing slips as failures, view them as learning opportunities.
Treat it as an experiment and not a final decision.
Instead of: "This is the new lifestyle habit I want to do for the rest of my life."
Say: "I'm going to try out this new lifestyle habit for a few weeks to see if it's a good fit for me."
2. Overcoming Behavioral & Habit-Related Challenges
Obstacles in this category:
Procrastination
Inconsistent routines
Habitual cravings
Boredom with workouts
Overwhelm from too many changes
Strategies to Overcome These Barriers:
Break goals into small, manageable steps.
Example: Instead of saying, “I need to exercise for an hour every day,” start with 10-minute daily walks.
Attach new habits to existing ones (Habit Stacking).
“After I brush my teeth, I will do 5 minutes of stretching.”
Tackle cravings with smarter choices, not restrictions.
Instead of eliminating favorite foods, find healthier swaps (e.g., fruit instead of candy for sugar cravings).
Keep workouts exciting.
Try new activities like dance, hiking, swimming, or group fitness to keep it fresh.
Focus on consistency over intensity.
A 15-minute daily habit is better than an intense but inconsistent effort.
Adopt a “one-change-at-a-time” approach.
Avoid overwhelm by building one habit (like drinking more water) before adding another.
3. Overcoming Time & Lifestyle Constraints
Obstacles in this category:
Time constraints
Sedentary lifestyle
Unsupportive environment
Lack of sleep
Emotional burnout
Strategies to Overcome These Barriers:
Prioritize health by scheduling it like an appointment.
Block out time in your calendar for workouts, meal prep, and self-care.
Make small movements a habit.
Desk job? Set a timer to stand and stretch every hour.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Adjust your environment for success.
Keep healthy snacks visible.
Lay out workout clothes the night before.
Improve sleep habits.
Set a consistent bedtime and create a relaxing nighttime routine.
Avoid screens 30 minutes before bed.
Recognize burnout and schedule recovery.
Self-care isn’t selfish. Rest and stress management are essential for long-term success.
4. Overcoming External & Social Barriers
Obstacles in this category:
Social pressure
Lack of accountability
Financial constraints
Medical conditions
Injury or physical limitations
Strategies to Overcome These Barriers:
Communicate your goals with others.
If friends/family push unhealthy habits, say: “I’m focusing on my health right now, and I’d appreciate your support.”
Find an accountability system.
Join a group, hire a coach, or find a friend to check in with regularly.
Look for cost-effective solutions.
Home workouts, bodyweight exercises, and budget-friendly meal prep can support health without extra costs.
Modify goals to fit your health conditions.
If you have injuries or limitations, work with a professional to adjust workouts and habits to what works for you.
5. Overcoming Goal-Setting & Planning Issues
Obstacles in this category:
Lack of clear goals
Unrealistic expectations
Lack of knowledge
Plateau effect
No plan for roadblocks
Strategies to Overcome These Barriers:
Use SMART goals to define success.
Instead of “I want to get fit,” say: “I will exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week, for the next month.”
Download the SMART Goals handout below.
Set realistic timelines.
Sustainable results take time - focus on long-term progress over quick fixes.
Learn & adapt as you go.
If you don’t know where to start, invest time in learning small, practical steps (e.g., take a cooking class, research workouts, or seek expert advice).
Prepare for roadblocks.
Identify challenges before they happen and create backup plans.
Example: If I miss a workout, I’ll do a quick bodyweight session at home instead.
Track progress and celebrate small wins.
Keep a journal, use an app, or take progress photos.
Celebrate non-scale victories (like more energy or better sleep).
Your Personalized Plan for Overcoming Obstacles
Now that you’ve identified common barriers and strategies, it’s time to personalize your approach.
Your Next Steps:
Identify which category (or categories) are your biggest obstacles.
Choose one key strategy from each category to apply this week.
Start small, stay consistent, and track your progress.
Remember: Overcoming obstacles isn’t about perfection—it’s about building sustainable habits that fit your life. Keep going, adjust when needed, and celebrate every step forward.
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