Why is it so hard to stick with a habit we actually want to build (a daily walk) or one we want to break (easing off the afternoon sweets) even when it's something that we know would improve our lives? This week we take the pressure off, name the five forces in the gap between knowing and doing (not one is the flaw we've been blaming), and then will build a small system that does the deciding for us on the tougher days. This is a Q&A episode in honor of National Wellness Month.

LET'S TALK THE WALK!

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wellnesswhilewalking@gmail.com

RESOURCES AND SOURCES (some links may be affiliate links)

• Atomic Habits, by James Clear

• Tiny Habits, by BJ Fogg

• Mini Habits, by Stephen Guise

The 7-Move System

A handful of choices made once, on a calm day, so they do the remembering and deciding for us on the challenging days. Pick one and start with the smallest version.

1. Shrink the start until it's almost silly — Walk to the end of the driveway — shoes on, step outside, that's the whole goal. (Sweets version: wait ten minutes before the three o'clock treat.) So small it feels foolish to skip.

2. Deal with the friction tonight — Shoes and jacket by the door where morning-you will trip over them; candy dish off the counter and into a cupboard. Lower the friction on what you're adding, raise it on what you're easing off.

3. Decide once — Fasten the walk to something you already do ("after I pour my coffee, the shoes go on"), and set one standing rule for the sweets (they come with dinner, not before). Then let the decision stay made.

4. Give the effort a payoff you can feel today — Pair the walk with something you already want — a podcast, a show, a phone call on the move — and find one thing to enjoy or be grateful for in the moment (the fragrance of a fresh tomato, the flowers along the route).

5. Let the doing build the belief — Do the tiny thing, watch yourself do it, and take the credit. Confidence isn't something to summon first — it's the record of what you've already done, piling up behind you.

6. Keep the change visible — A paper calendar on the fridge, and cross off every day you do the tiny thing; shoes by the door as a standing reminder. The row of X's is where the invisible progress of the flat stretch finally shows.

7. Plan the comeback, not the streak — A missed day is just information. The only question that matters is what you do the day after — the smallest possible version. One rule some like: never miss twice.

HOW TO RATE AND REVIEW WELLNESS WHILE WALKING

How to Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts on Your iOS Device

1. Open Apple Podcast App (purple app icon that says Podcasts).

2. Go to the icons at the bottom of the screen and choose "search"

3. Search for "Wellness While Walking"

4. Click on the SHOW, not the episode.

5. Scroll all the way down to "Ratings and Reviews" section

6. Click on "Write a Review" (if you don't see that option, click on "See All" first)

7. Then you will be able to rate the show on a five-star scale (5 is highest rating) and write a review!

8. Thank you! I so appreciate this!

How to Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts on a Computer

1. Visit Wellness While Walking page on Apple Podcasts in your web browser (search for Apple Podcasts or click here) https://www.apple.com/apple-podcasts/

2. Click on "Listen on Apple Podcasts" or "Open the App"

3. This will open Apple Podcasts and put in search bar at top left "Wellness While Walking"

4. This should bring you to the show, not a particular episode – click on the show's artwork

5. Scroll down until you see "Rating and Reviews"

6. Click on "See All" all the way to the right, near the Ratings and Review Section and its bar chart

7. To leave a written review, please click on "Write a Review"

8. You'll be able to leave a review, along with a title for it, plus you'll be able to rate the show on the 5-star scale (with 5 being the highest rating)

9. Thank you so very much!!

OTHER APPS WHERE RATINGS OR REVIEWS ARE POSSIBLE

Spotify

Goodpods

Overcast (if you star certain episodes, or every one, that will help others find the show) Castbox

Podcast Addict

Podchaser

Podbean

HOW TO SHARE WELLNESS WHILE WALKING

Tell a friend or family member about Wellness While Walking, maybe while you're walking together or lamenting not feeling 100%

Follow up with a quick text with more info, as noted below! (My favorite is pod.link/walking because it works with all the apps!)

Screenshot a favorite episode playing on your phone and share to social media or to a friend via text or email!
Wellness While Walking on Apple – click the up arrow to share with a friend via text or email, or share to social media
Wellness While Walking on Spotify -- click the up arrow to share with a friend via text or email, or share to social media
Use this universal link for any podcast app: pod.link/walking – give it to friends or share on social media
Tell your pal about the Wellness While Walking website
Thanks for listening and now for sharing! : )

DISCLAIMER

Neither I nor many of my podcast guests are doctors or healthcare professionals of any kind, and nothing on this podcast or associated content should be considered medical advice. The information provided by Wellness While Walking Podcast and associated material, by Whole Life Workshop and by Bermuda Road Wellness LLC is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment, and before undertaking a new health care regimen, including walking.

Thanks for listening to Wellness While Walking, a walking podcast and a "best podcast for walking"!