Let’s be honest: sticking to healthy habits is tough. You decide to eat clean, exercise daily, and maybe even cut down on that sweet chai. But a few weeks in, the motivation starts fading. Sound familiar? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Most people struggle because they skip a crucial step—finding their “why.” Let’s unpack how finding your “why” can make all the difference.
The Struggle is Real
Think of all the times you swore you’d hit the gym or eat more veggies like managu and terere. Then life got in the way. Work deadlines, kids, or even the allure of Netflix—we’ve all been there. Research shows that relying on external motivators, like wanting to look good for an event, doesn’t cut it long-term. To stick with healthy habits, you need a deeper, internal reason.
What’s Your ‘Why’?
Your “why” is your personal reason for wanting to live healthier. It’s not about losing weight to fit into your old jeans. It’s about wanting to be energetic enough to chase your kids around Uhuru Park or avoid lifestyle diseases that have become a menace in Kenya. Studies show that aligning your actions with your values leads to better results.
Here are some examples:
- For parents: “I want to stay healthy so I can see my children graduate.”
- For professionals: “I need more energy to tackle my job and still have time for my family.”
- For everyone else: “I want to avoid the health issues my family has faced.”
How to Find Your ‘Why’
Finding your “why” isn’t complicated, but it does require reflection. Here’s how to do it:
- Ask Yourself What Matters Most: What’s really important in your life? Is it family, career, or just feeling good about yourself?
- Dig Deeper: Let’s say your goal is to eat healthier. Why? Maybe it’s because you’ve seen how a poor diet affects health. Keep asking “why” until you hit the core reason.
- Write It Down: Jot it on a sticky note or your phone. Seeing it daily keeps it fresh in your mind.
For example, if your first answer is, “I want to lose weight,” ask why. If the answer is, “So I can feel confident,” ask why again. Maybe it’s, “I want to set a good example for my kids.” That’s your real “why.”
Turning Your ‘Why’ Into Action
Your “why” is like a compass. It guides your actions. Here’s how to use it:
- Tie it to Specific Habits: If your “why” is avoiding lifestyle diseases, start by cooking healthier meals at home with nutritious veggies like kale and spinach.
- Keep Reminders Around: Place sticky notes in your kitchen or gym bag that say things like, “For my kids” or “For my future.”
- Stay Flexible: Life happens. If you miss a workout or indulge in nyama choma, don’t give up. Remember why you started.
Real-Life Inspiration
Kenyan celebrities have been sharing their health journeys, inspiring many to adopt healthier lifestyles. For example, Kate Actress publicly shared her post-pregnancy weight loss journey, emphasizing her motivation to stay fit for her young children and her demanding acting career. Radio personality Kalekye Mumo also credited her impressive transformation to finding her “why”—a desire to lead a healthier, happier life free from lifestyle diseases.
On social media, influencers like Rosemary Waweru have taken to platforms like TikTok to share their tips and stories (@rosemarywaweru_maya). She emphasizes the importance of embracing better eating habits to combat lifestyle diseases affecting communities in Kenya. These real-life examples show that whether you’re a public figure or an everyday Kenyan, finding your “why” can lead to meaningful change.
The Bottom Line
Healthy habits aren’t just tasks on a to-do list. They’re a reflection of what you value most. Finding your “why” turns chores into meaningful actions. Whether you want to feel more energetic, be there for your loved ones, or simply enjoy life to the fullest, your “why” is the key to making it happen.
So, take a moment today. Ask yourself, “Why do I want to be healthy?” Write it down. Let it guide you. Because when you have a purpose, even the hardest habits stick.