Embracing the 1 Percent Better Mindset in 2024

In 2023 I read the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. In the book he talks about the concept of getting 1 percent better each day. This concept has truly changed my life. As a woman approaching menopause and experiencing drastic hormonal changes, my body is not always up for BIG changes when I want it to be.

If I am being honest, sometimes just thinking about the changes I want to make to get the results I want, exhausts me. It’s definitely been an adjustment, but when I read this 1 percent better concept it really got me excited. I began to do a deep dive into my daily habits and look for easy steps to implement small changes that are beginning to reap big rewards.

This post is a reminder that it’s the perfect time to embrace a new perspective on health and fitness. Maybe even a new perspective toward your journey through menopause. For women over 40, getting in the best shape of your life in all areas of mind, body, and soul can seem daunting at times.

However, this transformation can actually be both empowering and transformative if you arm yourself with knowledge and create a plan. It’s not about achieving perfection. Rather, it’s about making progress every day, no matter how small. This is where the concept of getting 1 percent better each day comes into play. Read on to learn how to embrace this mindset.

Embracing the 1 Percent Better Mindset

The idea of getting 1 percent better each day isn’t about radical changes that would be difficult to sustain. Instead, the idea is to make small changes that in the long run will provide consistent improvements. You may not see the fruit of your efforts right away. However, as they compound day after day your momentum and progress will build.

Whether it’s adding an extra serving of vegetables to your meals, taking the stairs everyday instead of the elevator, or creating a 1-minute mindfulness practice to start your day off right, these small steps can add up to significant progress over time. Rather than focusing on drastic measures and quick fixes, embracing the 1 percent better mindset allows you to focus on continuous improvement and long-term sustainability.

The idea is to create the habit by just showing up for a short period of time. Then build upon it slowly over time. Taking the stairs leads to walking for 10 minutes at lunch then 15, then 20. Your 1-minute mindfulness practice turns into 5 minutes and so on. You begin a habit and learn how to show up for it when it’s small. Then, once you become consistent with it you increase the duration or number of times it happens. BOOM! You are making progress and reaching your goals.

Prioritizing Holistic Wellness

Keep in mind, being in the best shape of your life doesn’t just include physical fitness, but overall wellness. This means nurturing your mental and emotional well-being, prioritizing quality sleep, managing stress, practicing self-care, and building positive relationships. By putting the 1 percent better mindset into practice in all areas of life, one is able to create a healthier, more joyful, and sustainable journey.

Finding Joy in Movement

Exercise is not a punishment. It’s a celebration of what your body can do. Cherish it! Whether it’s walking, running, dancing, yoga, weight training, or any other form of movement, finding joy is essential. You don’t have to kill yourself at the gym to look your best. Choose activities that make you feel joyful, capable, and strong. And if you aren’t quite there yet at least aim to find activities that don’t make you feel bad about your body. By embracing movement as a source of empowerment and vitality, you’ll be more likely to stick with it.

Nourishing Your Body

Food is fuel. Period. Nothing more and nothing less. We eat to live and support optimal daily functioning. Nourishing your body with wholesome, nutrient-dense foods is the key to feeling your best. Say goodbye to restrictive diets forever and focus on incorporating more whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats into all your meals.

Retrain your brain and really pay attention to what you tell yourself about the food you are eating. If your relationship toward food needs work, please take the time to understand the root of your challenges and then make a plan to resolve it using the 1 percent better mindset.

Need support? Get it. If you need recommendations on who to turn to, reach out and I will be your guide. Remember, you don’t have to change everything at once and you don’t have to go it alone. Small, sustainable changes to your eating habits can make a significant difference in adherence as well as how you look and feel.

Seeking Support and Accountability

Embarking on a holistic wellness journey can be both exciting and challenging. I recommend having a strong support system in place before you begin. Seeking support from friends, family, or a community of like-minded individuals can provide invaluable encouragement and accountability. Whether it’s joining a fitness class together to hold each other accountable, meal planning together, or connecting with online communities who are working toward similar goals, having a support system can make the journey feel more enjoyable and sustainable.

Embracing the Journey of 1 Percent Better

Getting in the best shape of your life is a lifelong journey, not a final destination. Embrace the process, celebrate your progress along the way, and be kind to yourself. There will no doubt be ups and downs, but by focusing on getting 1 percent better each day, you’ll continue to move forward in a sustainable way, building a healthier, stronger, and more vibrant version of yourself.

As we step into 2024, let’s shift our focus from quick fixes to sustainable, long-term, holistic wellness. By embracing the 1 percent better mindset, we can embark on a transformative journey toward becoming the best versions of ourselves. Wishing you a year of growth, strength, and empowerment in 2024!

Need a coach to guide you on your holistic health journey? Sign up for a coaching session with me here. Or maybe you want something you can do on your own to get a feel for how I approach things. You can join my 30-day Thrive Through 2024 Challenge here or grab my free mindset workbook here.

Disclaimer: The links provided in this blog that aren’t my products/services may be affiliate links. That means I get paid a small fee if you make a purchase when you click the link. This is at no extra cost to you. The products I recommend are items that have helped me on my wellness journey and I think they could help you too.