When your plate feels full, it’s hard to get excited about adding a new goal or another challenge. While you will likely feel energized once you’re ready to expand your wellness blueprint, for many of us, the idea of adding one more item to our to-do list can sometimes be overwhelming — not inspiring.

Change Can Feel Exhausting

Be honest with yourself. If the thought of making a change right now feels exhausting, accept that you may not be ready to take  action just yet. “We call this the precontemplation phase,” says Hayley Flott, PDRMA Wellness Consultant. “It often helps to identify a change you want to make and then give it some time and thought before jumping in. You’re not quitting when you say, ‘not now.’ Try to be kind to yourself if you aren’t mentally ready to dive in today; when you are, start with small steps and gradually work your way up to your larger goals.”

Why Your Goals Feel Out of Reach

There are good reasons to look before you leap. Remember that you’ll be better prepared for a successful wellness journey when you no longer punish yourself for past misfires. Two very common reasons you might not feel as ready as you’d like are:

• Environmental friction — Feeling burned out because of your current environment (i.e., work stress, lack of time, physical aches/pain).
• Psychological weight — Trying to deal with something that feels so heavy — like grief, trauma or anxiety — can leave you feeling that you can't do anything else.

When You Can’t Get Started

You may simply need time to move past that “stuck” feeling, but you might also benefit from reaching out for professional help if you know a specific barrier is holding you back. Taking that step can help you clear a mental path, giving you the energy for change.

Another great option is to lean on your social connections such as friends and family who can act as your support group. Sometimes we need to be around people who believe in our ability to change — until we believe it ourselves. Talking with others can help shift our mindset from a “not ready” to “maybe soon” stage.

Power of Curiosity

Change often starts with simple curiosity and searching for information. It may begin slowly, simply by wondering what it would feel like to do something different. “I wonder if my life would be better if I tried doing X.” Your questions may lead you to learn more about that topic (i.e., nutrition, sleep, etc.) and motivate you to consider making a change. You’re already doing this just by reading this article!

Building Your Foundation

You’ll find your blueprint becomes clearer once you’re ready to move forward. “Remember that the waiting stage isn’t permanent, and you can see it as a positive ‘active’ step in your wellness journey,” says Flott “Think of it as getting the soil ready before you begin to plant your seeds. You’ll move forward and build the life you want for yourself when the timing is right for you.” In the meantime, focus on being kind to yourself. Self-compassion is the stable ground upon which to build a bright future.

PATH Resources

While you’re thinking about your blueprint, watch a Media video, read a Journey step or listen to a podcast about a topic. You can tell yourself you have zero obligation to act on it right now.!

• Journeys > Managing Illness, Injury and Pain (Health Situations).
  Wellness Vision: From Goals to Reality.
• Media: Make Positive Change Easier to Accomplish.
  Giving Yourself the Gift of Forgiveness.
• PATH Health Coaching.