From Checklists to Change: Rethinking Health as a Lifelong Journey
- jenmannarelli
- Jan 22
- 4 min read
I am a very task- and list-oriented person. I have a list for everything, a plan for everything, and a schedule for everything. I’m the person who will write something on my list, even if I’ve already done it, just for the sheer joy of checking it off. ✅ It’s empowering and productive to push through a long list and tackle all the things. But here’s the flip side: I can be incredibly tough on myself when I don’t get everything done—even when those tasks don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. Over the years, my health journey has taught me some valuable lessons about lists, priorities, and where true strength comes from.
✅ Health isn’t a checklist
You can’t check off “healthy” by eating one salad. You can’t do one workout and mark yourself as “fit.” And you can’t meditate once and cross off “stress-free.” Believe me, I’ve tried! In my list-oriented mind, I used to think I could tackle health goals like tasks—meal-prep for a week, hit the gym daily, and poof, I’d have it all figured out. But that’s not how health works. Building strength, energy, and wellness is about consistency, patience, and a willingness to show up for yourself every day.
Our culture often screams, “Do more, achieve more, be more!” We want results fast, and we want them to last. But this mindset leaves us exhausted, overwhelmed, and stuck in a cycle of “starting over” every Monday. True health isn’t about more; it’s about balance. It’s about doing what’s sustainable and giving yourself grace when things don’t go as planned. Progress isn’t always a straight line, but it’s still progress.
📈 Growth takes repetition
You can’t master health in one go, just like you can’t fold one load of laundry and declare laundry “done” forever (though wouldn’t that be nice?). The same is true for your wellness journey. You’ll have moments when you feel strong and unstoppable, and others when you feel like giving up. The truth is, every season of life brings new challenges—and new lessons. Some days, you’ll nail your workouts, meal plan like a pro, and feel like you’ve got it all together. Other days, you’ll struggle to even drink enough water. And that’s okay.
Every stumble is an opportunity to grow stronger. I’ve learned more from my setbacks than my successes. Each time I fall, I’m reminded to give myself grace, refocus, and try again. Strength doesn’t come from never failing; it comes from learning to get back up.
💪 Health is a lifelong journey
If you’re looking for a finish line, here’s the spoiler: there isn’t one. Wellness is a journey that lasts a lifetime. It’s not about doing everything perfectly; it’s about making progress, even if it’s just one small step at a time. That’s why I encourage my clients to focus on habits that are sustainable, not extreme. Whether it’s adding more veggies to your meals, walking an extra 10 minutes a day, or prioritizing sleep, these small changes add up.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “I’ll be happy when...” When I’ve lost the weight. When I’ve hit the goal. When my clothes fit better. But the truth is, happiness and health start now, with the choices you make today. There will always be more goals to reach and new challenges to face. The key is to enjoy the process and celebrate the small victories along the way.
😌 Be a human-being, not a human-doing
Checklists aren’t bad—in fact, they can be incredibly helpful when life gets busy. But they shouldn’t define your worth or dictate your happiness. You are not your to-do list. Taking care of yourself isn’t about doing more; it’s about being more present, more intentional, and more connected to what truly matters.
When you focus on nourishing your body, moving with purpose, and taking time to rest and recharge, you’ll find that health isn’t something to check off your list. It’s something you live out every day. So if you must write one thing on your list today, let it be this: “Take care of me.” And then go do it, not because it’s another task, but because you’re worth it.
✨ Reflect, Focus, and Take Action - USE THIS FREE GUIDE TO HELP!
As you rethink your health journey, consider how setting meaningful goals can help you stay focused on what truly matters. That’s why I created The Ultimate Goal Setting Workbook—a free guide designed to help you reflect on your priorities, stay focused, and take actionable steps toward your health and wellness dreams. Whether you’re looking to break free from the cycle of starting over or want to create sustainable habits that align with your values, this workbook is the perfect place to start. Download it today and take the first step toward a healthier, more intentional you.
👉 Ready to start?
If you’re ready to make changes but don’t know where to begin, start small. Maybe it’s drinking more water, prepping one meal, or going for a walk. If you’re curious about how to turn small steps into a sustainable lifestyle, check out this blog or let’s connect. You don’t have to figure this out alone—I’m here to help you create a plan that works for you and keeps you moving forward. Let’s tackle this journey together.
I'm Coach Jen Mannarelli, a Certified Health, Nutrition and Mindset Coach. I help women who are sick of being on the diet rollercoaster & ready to get off for good! My 1:1 Coaching Program is rooted in Nutrition, Physical Activity, Mindset & Accountability with strong clarity, structure & communication! I have been in the health and wellness arena for 28+ years and have seen it all! If you want to learn more, book a call or check out my free resources!
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