Creating and then growing my health coaching business has been full of challenges, but I’ll admit that by far the biggest challenge has been information overload… like, to the MAX!

There’s every guru and their mom out there shouting to anyone who will listen that their way of [insert business aspect] is hands down the best there is. And they’re all too happy to tell you it’s some secret formula or tactic that, once you’ve paid multiple figures for, you too can implement in your business and see massive results.

It was a Homer Simpson “doh” moment as I was reflecting on the parallels of those smarmy gurus with the health industry gurus. Health experts will tell you their way of dieting or training is THE secret to finally getting and staying healthy.

Now, I have no doubt that there are both legitimate business and health experts out there, and they’re worth their weight in gold for how they help people realize their goals.

However, the one thing all the smarmy-ness has in common is it leads most of us to confusion, analysis paralysis and overthinking… before we even spend a dollar!

Overthinkers Anonymous

I’m sticking with the business analogy here because they’re so dang similar it’s comical in a sad kind of way.

When I’m looking at ways to grow my business, there are no less than two dozen options of courses, products, coaching packages and masterclasses. And then when I ask my entrepreneurial friends, all of the options get mixed reviews.

Some like guru #1 and others hate them; the courses available are multiplying, so you’re likely going to get a half dozen affiliate recommendations you didn’t even ask for; and if one more person talks about secrets, I’m going to scream.

The same goes for diets or workout plans – ask around and you’ll get mixed reviews from family and friends.

There’s the one friend who swears by keto, another who says going vegan saved her life, and still another who says her whole life changed when she joined a Crossfit gym.

So on the research goes, trying to figure out what’s the one thing that actually works. Several HOURS wasted and random rabbit holes later (did you know the Cookie Monster’s name is Sid?) you’re no farther ahead than when you began, except you have exponentially more information to consider and continue overthinking before you even make the first move.

Why can’t anyone just say once and for all which of them work and which ones are b.s.??? Is it really too much to ask for?

Here’s the Secret

Start.

Just start.

Start messy, start where you are, start with what you have.

Just like in business, getting back in shape doesn’t have to be complicated. You just have to start.

And start as simply as possible… like, crazy simple – go walk for five minutes. Yeah, THAT simple.

As you grow and improve, you can get more strategic and tactical. But until then, you have to actually start in order to get the ball rolling.

If I had waited until I had a strategic business plan with a method for content creation, customer acquisition and brand recognition, I’d still be waiting to help women get healthy. 

Just like if you keep waiting until you hear about the perfect diet, meal plan or workout plan, you’ll be waiting a loooooong time.

We often think we have to have the perfect plan in place and then we’ll be motivated to go all in. The reality is that motivation follows action.

Read that again: motivation follows action.

So as soon as you get started – even with a five minute walk – you’ll be more motivated to do it again, and maybe for even longer. You’ll feel that sense of accomplishment, you’ll get that little confidence boost, and you’ll start building momentum.

All of those feelings lead to you actually wanting to do it again, and again, and again. You’ll find you’re enjoying your workout or cooking healthy food or habit stacking. And when you enjoy it, you’re more likely to stick to it.

No matter what weight you’re at, or how far you’ve ‘let yourself go’ you can always just start back up. It really is that simple.

Start with what’s easy and build from there. That’s the big, revolutionary secret to getting back in shape.

START.