The secret to doing, no matter the setback

ARTICLE

1 September 2025

3 min read

Struggling to do the healthy thing? Here’s how to overcome it.

We’ve all been there. You set a goal, make a plan – and then life gets in the way. Suddenly, it’s easier to delay the job at hand, or abandon it altogether. But setbacks don’t have to mean game over.

At AIA, we believe good health is the key to experiencing more of what matters most in life – regardless of the fumbles or setbacks along the way. So, whether you run to keep up with the kids, walk every day so you can travel more often, or surf in winter just for the feeling of water on your skin, we’re here to help you Do It For Life, whatever your ‘it’ may be.

Why do we often stop before we start?

Despite our best intentions, we don’t always get around to doing the things we set out to do. Sometimes we get busy, run out of time, feel tired, fear we’ll fail, or not know where to start. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t take much to get stuck in the ‘I’ll start tomorrow’ cycle.

And while taking a break is more than ok - even important, a pause in action doesn’t have to end in a full stop. The secret to being a do-er is simply learning to reset and go again.

6 simple ways to get over the 'gonna start' hump

Start small, really small
You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. One healthy meal, one walk, or five minutes of mindfulness is a solid start. Small actions can feel less overwhelming, easier to repeat, and can lead to bigger change over time.

Let go of perfection
Waiting until everything’s just right, often means we never start. Doing something, even imperfectly, is far more valuable than doing nothing while waiting for the ideal moment.

Reconnect with your ‘why’
When motivation dips, come back to your reason for wanting to change. Maybe it’s to feel stronger for your kids, run your first marathon, or feel financially secure. When your ‘why’ is clear, doing becomes more meaningful, and more doable.

Build it into your routine
Make the things you want to do part of your day, rather than extra on top. Stretch while the kettle’s boiling. Listen to a meditation during your commute. Review your finances for 10 minutes before dinner. Habits stick best when they slot into everyday life.

Focus on how it makes you feel
Instead of aiming for a specific result right away, notice the immediate benefits - more energy, less stress, clearer thinking. When we link our actions to how they make us feel, they become more rewarding and easier to keep doing.

Be kind to yourself when it doesn’t go to plan
Setbacks are normal - life happens. But slipping up doesn’t mean you’ve failed. What matters is what you choose to do next. Pick yourself up, adjust if needed, and take the next step.

Whether you're bouncing back from a rough patch or just trying to get going, remember you don’t need a perfect plan, just a first step to Do It For Life.

Staff Writer

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

Disclaimer:
Copyright © 2025 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.

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This inspirational content is brought to you by AIA Vitality

AIA Vitality is a science-backed program that helps you learn more about your health,
offers ways to improve it and motivates you with rewards along the way.

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