From “I Should” to “I Did”: Turning Good Intentions Into Real Health Habits
- Devon Shurden
- Dec 13, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
by Devon Shurden Ever catch yourself thinking:
“I know exactly what I should do… so why don’t I actually do it?”
You’re not alone.
Most people already know the basics that improve health. Move more. Eat better. Sleep well.
But knowing and doing are very different things.
It’s like having all the puzzle pieces… but no clear way to put them together.
The good news: you don’t need more information.
You need a simple system for action.
Let’s break it down.
The Basics We All Know
Most people already understand the fundamentals of health.
Move regularly Even a short mobility routine or walk can help your body feel better.
Eat mostly whole foods No perfection required. Just lean toward real food more often.
Get enough sleep Sleep is the recovery system that makes everything else work better.
These ideas are simple.
But simple doesn’t mean easy.
Real change comes from small actions repeated consistently.
Common Barriers That Get In The Way
1. Ambition Overload
People often try to change everything at once.
New workout. New diet. New morning routine.
Two weeks later… burnout.
Instead, think:
“Something is better than nothing.”
2. Searching for the Secret Fix
Many people keep searching for the perfect program.
The best workout. The perfect diet.
But the basics already work.
They just need time and consistency.
3. The All-or-Nothing Trap
One missed workout.
One bad meal.
Suddenly the whole plan feels “ruined.”
But real progress doesn’t work that way.
A five-minute walk still counts.
A slightly better meal still counts.
Small wins stack.
A Simple 4-Step Way to Start Taking Action
1. Know Your “Why”
Tie your habits to something meaningful.
More energy. Less pain. Being active with your family.
When your reason matters, action becomes easier.
2. Start With One Action
Not five habits.
Just one.
Examples:
• 5 minutes of mobility in the morning • A short walk after dinner • Adding a protein source to breakfast
Small actions create momentum.
3. Set a Floor and a Ceiling
Have two versions of your habit.
Best Day (Ceiling) 20 minute workout.
Busy Day (Floor) 5 minutes of movement.
Progress beats perfection.
4. Design Your Environment
Make healthy choices easier.
Examples:
• Lay out workout clothes the night before • Keep a water bottle nearby • Prepare simple meals ahead of time
Your environment shapes your habits more than motivation does.
Track Small Wins
One of the most powerful things you can do is notice progress.
Better energy.
Less stiffness.
More consistency.
Small improvements add up faster than most people expect.
Ready for Extra Support?
If you want help applying these ideas to your own situation, I currently have a few one-on-one coaching spots available.
If you’re curious, fill out the short form and we’ll schedule a no-pressure conversation about your goals.
If now isn’t the right time, that’s completely okay too.
The goal is simply to help you move forward.
A Client’s Experience
“I knew what I should do, but I felt stuck.
Working with Devon, I started small - just a short morning mobility routine.
Over time we added strength training and a few nutrition habits.
Now when life gets busy, I don’t feel like I failed.
I just adjust and keep going.
For the first time in years, I feel like I’m actually in control of my health.”
Final Thought
Struggling to follow through doesn’t mean something is wrong with you.
It means you’re human.
Change happens through small steps, patience, and consistency.
Start small.
Keep going.
And over time, those small actions turn into something powerful.
That’s how “I should” becomes “I did.”
- Devon
Tell me a little about your goals and I’ll reach out personally.
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