17. Why Haven't You Started and How to Change That - Part 1

In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Emily and AJ unpack one of the biggest reasons people struggle with fitness: not actually starting. Through an honest, real-life conversation, they explore how life events, shifting priorities, and overwhelming circumstances can delay progress—even for someone who has always been active. By sharing a deeply personal journey that includes demanding work, parenting, and major life stressors, the episode reveals how readiness, small intentional changes, and a mindset shift toward long-term health can help people finally begin and build sustainable momentum.   What You'll Take Away: Most people don't fail—they simply never start: Fear of change, waiting for motivation, or wanting perfect timing often keeps people stuck before they even begin.  Life circumstances can legitimately shift priorities: Major life events like demanding careers, parenting, health challenges, or family crises can temporarily move fitness lower on the priority list—and that's okay.  Readiness matters when creating lasting change: Sustainable habits require mental and emotional bandwidth; starting before you're truly ready can make consistency much harder.  Small, gradual changes build sustainable progress: Instead of drastic shifts, slowly adjusting training intensity, nutrition, and routines makes it easier to stay consistent long-term.  A shift in mindset—from performance to longevity—can reshape motivation: Focusing on building muscle, functional strength, and long-term health can create a deeper and more sustainable reason to train.    "I want you to be ready to some extent. It should be scary, it should be uncomfortable. But I want you to be ready because you have to have the bandwidth" - Emily   Connect with Emily and AJ Website: https://www.emilylevercoaching.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bedellever/   Enjoyed the Episode? If this conversation resonated with you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who's stuck in the start-over cycle. Your support helps more people find the podcast and build healthier habits that last. Until next time—keep showing up, stay consistent, and remember: small steps add up to big change.