Why Some Health-Conscious Entrepreneurs Never Take Action – And How You Can Break Free from the Trap!

I recently had a conversation with a guy I will call Jake. Jake was the kind of person who threw himself into his work with everything he had. He loved his work. 

Every day, Jake would sit at his computer for hours on end. He knew it wasn’t sustainable, that the long hours staring at screens would eventually take a toll on his health. His eyes were starting to ache, and his back constantly felt stiff. Yet, whenever the thought of stepping away from work crossed his mind, a wave of anxiety would follow. There was always more to do, another problem to solve, another email to respond to.

One evening, Jake found himself in front of his computer long after the sun had set. The only light in the room came from the blue glow of his monitor. His eyes stung, and he felt the familiar tightness in his temples. He blinked a few times, rubbing his eyes, and sighed. He knew he needed to make a change. He’d read enough articles about the dangers of screen time and how it could damage his eyesight in the long term. But knowing and doing were two different things.

Jake leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. The silence of the room felt heavy, and the only sound was the gentle hum of his computer fan. He thought about his friends who had warned him about overworking, telling him stories of burnout and health issues. He knew they were right, and deep down, he was afraid he was heading in the same direction. But the idea of stepping back, even a little, seemed impossible. Work had become his identity, his way of feeling productive and valuable.

It seems Jake is stuck in contemplation but since Jake has been having the same conversation in his head for years, he is most likely in precontemplation. He knows the issue but there are other priorities that take precedence so he never resolves it.

This comes from the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), also known as the Stages of Change Model. Understanding where you are in this model can help you move forward with less resistance and more confidence.

Here’s a quick overview of the stages:

1. Precontemplation:
   At this stage, the person isn’t ready or willing to consider making a change. They may not realize their choices are unhealthy or believe that their current behaviors aren’t a big deal. As a result, they’re not intending to take any action.
2. Contemplation:
   In this stage, the person is starting to consider change. They’re becoming aware of the benefits but still feel unsure if the effort is worth it. They’re likely to take action in the next six months but may struggle with ambivalence, weighing the pros and cons of changing.
3. Preparation (Determination):
   Here, the person is actively preparing to make a change. They intend to take action in the next 30 days and are beginning to explore their options and plan the steps they’ll need to take to succeed.
4. Action:
   At this stage, the person is implementing their desired changes. They’re taking real steps toward their goals, but since the change is still new, they’re learning, adjusting, and navigating challenges as they go.
5. Maintenance:
   The person has sustained their healthy changes for more than six months. They’ve left their old habits behind and are working to make their new behaviors a lasting part of their life.
6. Termination:
   In this final stage, the person has fully integrated their new habits into their lifestyle. They feel confident in their ability to maintain their changes and no longer feel tempted to return to old, unhealthy behaviors.

Many of us get stuck in the precontemplation stage, where we’re not quite ready to acknowledge the need for change, or we’re resistant to the idea. This can happen even for health-conscious entrepreneurs who know the importance of healthy habits but find themselves resisting taking action. If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless to change.

Recognizing Precontemplation Mode

Many health-conscious entrepreneurs are stuck in the precontemplation stage of change. Despite knowing what they need to do, they find themselves endlessly talking about their health goals without taking any concrete steps toward action. This leads to frustration and stagnation in their health journey.

If you identify with this, start by embracing gentle self-awareness without judgment. Accepting that you are in this phase is the first step toward moving forward. Journaling your thoughts and feelings daily can help you recognize where you are stuck and why you might be resistant to change.

By becoming aware of your precontemplation mode, you create an opportunity for personal growth. You’ll begin to shift your mindset, which is the first step toward taking tangible action on your health goals.

Tips to Get Started:

1. Start a daily reflection journal where you explore your thoughts about your health journey.
2. Set a weekly reminder to assess your progress and identify any mental blocks holding you back.
3. Practice self-compassion by celebrating small wins, even if they are just mindset shifts.

Reframing the Resistance to Action

The resistance to taking action can often feel like oppositional defiance disorder, where any suggestion to take action is met with defensiveness or avoidance. This resistance can stem from fear, overwhelm, or past failures.

Reframe resistance as a signal that you’re about to make a breakthrough. Resistance often comes when you’re close to stepping out of your comfort zone, so instead of fighting it, acknowledge it as a sign that change is coming. Try to visualize the benefits of taking small steps instead of focusing on the challenges.

By reframing resistance as progress, you’ll feel more empowered and less stuck. This mental shift can unlock motivation and make it easier to take the first steps toward change.

Tips to Get Started:

1. Visualize the positive outcomes of taking action and write them down where you can see them daily.
2. Break down your health goals into the smallest possible steps, so they feel less overwhelming.
3. Start with just one healthy action per day, no matter how small, and build on that momentum.

The Power of Incremental Changes

When you’re stuck in precontemplation, big lifestyle changes can seem insurmountable. This can lead to paralysis and inaction, even when you know the benefits of healthier habits.

Focus on incremental changes rather than a complete lifestyle overhaul. Start by making one small, manageable change, like incorporating more greens into your diet or setting aside 10 minutes for mindfulness each day. Small steps lead to big transformations over time.

Implementing incremental changes reduces overwhelm and builds sustainable habits. You’ll start to see improvements in your energy, mindset, and health without feeling like you’re taking on too much at once.

Tips to Get Started:

1. Choose one small habit to focus on this week, such as drinking a green smoothie daily.
2. Use habit stacking by pairing a new habit with an existing routine, like adding stretching to your morning coffee ritual.
3. Celebrate every small win to reinforce positive behavior and build confidence in your ability to change.

Compassionate Coaching as a Catalyst for Change

Health-conscious entrepreneurs often feel isolated in their journey, and the fear of failure can lead to further inaction. Without support, it’s easy to stay stuck in precontemplation mode.

Engage in compassionate coaching, either with a professional coach or through self-coaching techniques. Compassionate coaching focuses on understanding your unique challenges and offering guidance without judgment. This approach creates a safe space for you to explore your resistance to change and find solutions that work for you.

Compassionate coaching helps you build self-trust and accountability, making it easier to transition from talking about change to taking action. You’ll feel supported and motivated to implement healthy habits that align with your goals.

Tips to Get Started:

1. Find a coach who practices compassionate coaching or start by practicing self-compassion in your own journey.
2. Schedule regular check-ins with yourself or your coach to assess your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
3. Use positive affirmations to counter negative self-talk and build a mindset of growth and possibility.

Embracing the Journey, Not Just the Destination

Many entrepreneurs focus so much on the end result that they overlook the importance of the journey itself. This can lead to burnout, frustration, and eventually giving up on their health goals.

Shift your focus from achieving a specific outcome to enjoying the process of improving your health. Embrace the daily practices that bring you closer to your goals and find joy in each step. This mindset shift can reduce pressure and make the journey more enjoyable.

By embracing the journey, you’ll feel more fulfilled and less stressed. This approach will help you sustain healthy habits for the long term, making it easier to achieve your goals without burnout.

Tips to Get Started:

1. Celebrate daily successes, no matter how small, to reinforce your commitment to the process.
2. Find activities that you genuinely enjoy and that support your health goals, such as dancing, hiking, or trying new raw vegan recipes.
3. Practice mindfulness to stay present and appreciate each moment of your health journey, rather than constantly focusing on the destination.