Hello, beautiful soul. Starting a new journey to change your lifestyle can be exciting, but it oftentimes comes with challenges. You might have experienced the frustration of starting strong only to lose momentum after a few weeks. It’s a common struggle—many of us set out with the best intentions, only to find ourselves back at square one. But today, you have a chance to approach things differently. I’m excited to share with you 6 questions that I learned during my training at Duke Integrative Medicine to help guide you through a journey of deep inner work and self-reflection.

So go ahead, grab your journal – it’s your tool for this transformative exercise. Take a little time to explore your aspirations openly, embracing honesty, your true emotions, and vulnerability. Think about the path you want your new lifestyle to take and where you want it to go.

Jot down your thoughts, including affirmations, mantras, or any words that feel true to you. Keep your journal close, so you can revisit it whenever you need a boost of inspiration.

Engaging with these questions will empower you to commit to the changes you’re aiming for in your lifestyle and help you move closer to achieving the life you’ve always dreamed of, one step at a time.

#1. Why Is This Lifestyle Change Important to You?

Understanding the core importance of your “why” is your first step. Your “why” is your guiding light that will keep you on track. By outlining your motivations for change, you’re not only setting the groundwork for your health journey but also creating a connection to your ultimate goal – a goal that will be your anchor when things get tough. Your “why” becomes the foundation on which your health aspirations will thrive.

Journal Prompt: This lifestyle change matters to me because…

#2. What Is Your Intention? Does It Align With Your Values?

This might sound similar at first glance, but your intention is actually different than your why.
Your why is the reason you’re motivated to make a change. It’s the driving force behind your goals. Your intention is the energy and focus you bring to your why. It guides your actions and keeps you grounded in your values. Your why gives you purpose, and your intention fuels it.

Journal Prompt: My intention for this lifestyle change is…

Journal Prompt: How does this lifestyle change align with my values?

#3. How Could This Lifestyle Change Improve Your Quality of Life?

Let’s explore the possibilities! Create a list of all the ways this lifestyle change could improve your quality of life. If you’re not already excited, trust me – you will be after you write these things down. If the second journal prompt was about your big picture differences, think of this as the time to get specific. Maybe you’ll feel stronger mentally, physically, and emotionally. Perhaps you’ll experience a renewed sense of balance, vitality, and alignment. You might uncover new inspiration for your creative projects, find extra energy to cherish moments with your loved ones, or nurture your holistic well-being. It’s exciting to imagine a better future.

Journal Prompt: This lifestyle change can make ______ possible for me in my life.

#4. How Might You Feel Different When You Make This Lifestyle Change?

How does this new version of yourself feel, and in what ways does it differ from your present emotions? Get super specific here, and don’t stick to just physical differences. Those are great, but lifestyle changes offer mental, emotional, social, environmental, and spiritual shifts, too!

Journal prompt: This new lifestyle change makes me feel like: _______.

#5. Five Years From Now, If You Change Nothing At All, What Does Your Life Look Like?

Spend a moment visualizing how your life would be if you continued exactly as you are now. Think about your daily routines, your relationships, your career path, and your personal growth. What could happen if you don’t make any changes?

Journal prompt: If I keep everything the same for the next 5 years, my life could look like: _______.

#6. Imagine Five Years From Now, Having Made All The Changes You Aspire to Make In Your Lifestyle – What Does Your Happiest, Healthiest, and Most Aligned Life Look Like?

Let’s take a moment to dive into the heart of your transformation. This is where the real magic happens!

Five years from today, you’re living your dream life. Everything you’ve ever wanted for your health and lifestyle is all happening.

Now, let’s get specific. Close your eyes with each question and let your imagination run wild.

As you read the following questions, visualize your future with vivid clarity:

• How do you feel emotionally? What does your daily peace, strength, and happiness look like? How is your mental health?
• What kind of growth, serenity, and connection have you found in your spiritual journey?
• Imagine your relationships – the quality of your connections with friends and family, and the warmth you feel.
• Visualize your physical state – the energy you have, the way you move, and how you take care of your body.
• Consider your relationship with the environment – the positive changes you’ve made to live in harmony with the world around you.
• Think about your daily routines and activities. How do they flow? Have you incorporated new rituals? Picture your surroundings and the accomplishments you’ve achieved.

Take a moment to journal about your vision. As you immerse yourself in this inspiring visualization, you’re laying the foundation for your journey ahead. Let this vision fuel your determination and guide your actions, pushing you towards the vibrant and aligned life you’re manifesting.

Quotes For Inspiration

Lastly, here are a few of my favorite quotes to keep in mind as you’re implementing changes. Feel free to write them in your journal to look back on, and include your own affirmations as well!

“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.”

Tony Robbins

“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”

Henry David Thoreau

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

Nelson Mandela

I hope these questions and prompts are incredibly helpful in not just starting, but sustaining your lifestyle change. Taking the time to do the inner work is the hardest part. Knowing and revisiting your answers to these questions will help you envision where you are now and where you want to be. And remember, the first step in sustainable change is believing in yourself and knowing that you’re worthy of the lifestyle you wish to have. I believe in you!

xo, Chelsea

~ If these questions and prompts have ignited a spark within you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and plant-based wellness, my eBook bundle, The Green Upgrade: How to take care of YOU and feel good inside and out using plant-based practices and holistic principles, can be your companion in this transformative process. It’s packed with actionable insights, tips, and resources to support you every step of the way. Grab your copy today and start your journey towards a healthier and more aligned you!