I Know What I Should Do—But I Don’t Do It! 3 Reasons We Struggle with Fitness & Nutrition Fundamentals (And 4 Steps to Overcome Them)

You know the drill. Eat more vegetables. Move your body. Drink more water. Get enough sleep. These aren’t exactly groundbreaking concepts, yet so many of us struggle to put them into practice.

If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I know what I should do, but I just don’t do it!”—you’re not alone.

The problem isn’t lack of knowledge. It’s something deeper than that.

Let’s dig into the three biggest reasons we struggle with fitness and nutrition fundamentals—and, more importantly, the four steps you can take today to overcome these barriers once and for all.

Why We Struggle: The 3 Big Roadblocks

1. We Seek Complex Solutions Over Simple Actions

Ever found yourself being offered the latest weird sounding superfood that you can add to your smoothie? Or maybe you are considering buying that cool new fitness gadget your best friend has, thinking it will be THE thing that changes the game for you? 

It's easy to get caught up in complex solutions while overlooking the most simple, effective actions. This tendency can lead to inaction, as we wait for the "perfect" plan instead of starting with basic, proven habits. And last time I checked, inaction leads to nothing. Absolutely nothing…. but staying stuck. 

2. “All-or-Nothing” Thinking Keeps Us Stuck

And speaking of staying stuck…..Have you ever told yourself, “Well, if I can’t do it perfectly, I won’t do it at all”? Welcome to the all-or-nothing mindset—a surefire way to stay exactly where you are now.

When you believe that small efforts don’t count, you end up missing out on the power of consistency.

Skipping one workout or eating one “off-plan” meal doesn’t undo everything. But thinking it does? That’s what leads people to quit altogether.

3. We Underestimate the Power of Our Environment

Willpower is honestly very overrated. Your environment plays a much bigger role in shaping your habits than sheer discipline.

If your kitchen is full of junk food, what are you going to reach for when hunger sneaks up on you and you feel like you could eat the whole house?

If your schedule is packed with no room for movement, when will you fit in exercise?

If the people around you don’t prioritize health, how easy is it to make it a priority for yourself?

Rather than blaming yourself for lack of willpower, set up the systems and environments that support the habits we want to build. (CLICK HERE to read the best book I’ve ever read on habits. It’s called  “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, and it will really help you understand the importance of having systems in place to make sure those habits actually work in your favor.)

The 4 Steps to Overcome These Barriers

1. Embrace Imperfect Action

Instead of waiting for the so-called “perfect moment” or solution, start with small, manageable actions. For instance, rather than overhauling your entire diet, begin by adding a serving of vegetables to one meal each day. Instead of quitting your soda habit cold turkey, have one glass of water in place of one can of soda at lunch. These small steps can lead to significant changes over time.

2. Ditch the “All-or-Nothing” Mindset

Something is always better than nothing. The idea that you have to be “all in” or not bother at all is the biggest lie holding you back.

• Didn’t have time for a full workout? A 15-minute walk still counts.

• Ate fast food for lunch? No problem—make dinner a nutrient-dense meal.

• Missed a few days? Start again without guilt.

Progress, not perfection, is the goal.

3. Design an Environment That Works for You

Rather than relying on willpower, set yourself up for success by shaping your surroundings:

• Keep healthy foods visible and convenient (cut-up veggies, a bowl of fruit, prepped protein).

• Put your workout gear by the door so it’s the first thing you see.

• Schedule workouts and meals like non-negotiable appointments.

• Surround yourself with like-minded people who support your goals.

Your environment should make good choices easy—not harder.

4. Shift Your Identity to Match Your Goals

Instead of just doing healthy things, start becoming a healthy person. This is the real key to long-term change.

When your habits align with your identity, change sticks. (I learned that from Atomic Habits)

• Instead of “I’m trying to eat better,” say “I’m someone who prioritizes nourishing my body.”

• Instead of “I should work out,” say “I am an active person.”

Small mindset shifts like these create powerful long-term habits.

The Choice is Yours

Most people already know what they should do. The problem is doing it consistently.

In fact, only six percent of Americans perform all five of the following basic health behaviors:

• Meet physical activity recommendations

• Don’t smoke

• Drink alcohol in moderation (or none)

• Sleep at least seven hours

• Maintain a “normal” BMI

( CLICK HERE to read more about it )

If you’re doing the math, that means close to 94 percent of Americans aren’t doing the basics!

The good news? You don’t need more motivation. You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need superhuman willpower.

What you need is a system that makes healthy choices easy, sustainable, and aligned with the person you want to be.

Start today. One small step. And then another. Before you know it, those little choices will add up to a completely different reality.

You’ve got this. I believe in you. Now it’s time to believe in yourself.