Small Steps Equals Lasting Change

We have to start keeping the promises we make to ourselves.

 Here’s how.

How many times have you broken a promise to yourself? 

It usually goes something like this:"I’m not going to have any treats until I hit my target weight." Then, a meal out happens, and you end up ordering dessert—or maybe just a “little” cookie.

Breaking promises to ourselves becomes a habit, something we brush off as not a big deal. 

But here’s the truth—it is a big deal. 

Every time we break a promise to ourselves, we reinforce the idea that it’s okay to do so, eroding our self-trust bit by bit.

Most of us would go to great lengths to avoid breaking promises to our friends, family, or colleagues. Yet, when it comes to ourselves, we don’t hold ourselves to the same standard. 

Why is that?

Consistency Over Perfection

Lasting weight loss doesn’t happen because of dramatic, overnight changes. It comes from small, consistent actions that we can stick to over time. 

I spent years telling myself that tomorrow would be the day I’d completely overhaul my lifestyle—only to fail when it became too overwhelming. I would then make excuses for why the diet wasn’t right for me.

The key isn’t in making drastic changes; it’s in making small, achievable promises to yourself—and keeping them.

Small Day-to-Day Changes Are Key

It takes courage to commit to small, healthy changes, especially when we’re conditioned to want fast results.

Realising that weight loss is a gradual process can be tough.

 But here’s the truth: quick-fix diets, extreme restrictions, and overhauling your life overnight won’t work in the long term.

Instead, focus on what will work. Think about small, realistic changes that you can commit to right now—and keep those promises to yourself.

• Can you drink one more glass of water each day?
• Can you skip that 4 p.m. snack?
• Can you walk for 10 minutes?
• Can you leave a little food on your plate?

Start small. When you’re ready, add another change.

Keep the Promises You Make to Yourself

Weight loss—and any other meaningful change—needs to be sustainable. 

You need to lose weight in a way that you can live with after you reach your goal. And that means building new habits slowly, with patience and persistence.

By keeping these small promises to yourself, you’re not just losing weight—you’re building trust in yourself, and that’s what will carry you forward.

Remember: lifestyle changes take time, but the results will be worth it.