Why Setbacks Are Normal & How to Keep Going

An individual standing on a scale.

Let’s be real—weight loss and health journeys are not a straight line. They have twists, turns, and the occasional roadblock that makes you want to throw your salad out the window and dive headfirst into a tub of ice cream. But here’s the thing—setbacks are completely normal! In fact, they’re part of the process.
If you’ve hit a rough patch, don’t panic. Instead of seeing it as failure, think of it as a plot twist in your success story. The key to long-term results isn’t perfection—it’s resilience. So, let’s talk about why setbacks happen, why they’re actually a good thing, and how you can bounce back stronger than ever.

1. Setbacks Are Proof That You’re Trying
If you’re struggling, that means you’re doing something—and that’s already a win! Nobody ever achieved success by standing still. Think about it: some of the most successful people in history failed before they made it big. Oprah was told she wasn’t “fit for TV,” Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, and yet, they didn’t give up.
The same goes for your weight loss journey. Skipped a workout? Had a weekend binge? Scale going up instead of down? It’s okay. What matters is how you move forward.
👉 Pro Tip: Instead of focusing on what went wrong, ask yourself: What can I learn from this? Every setback is a lesson in disguise.

2. Perfection is Overrated
Raise your hand if you’ve ever said, “I’ll start fresh on Monday.” 🙋‍♀️
The problem with this mindset? It makes you think that if you mess up, everything is ruined. But newsflash: perfection isn’t required for progress.
Your weight loss journey isn’t about eating perfectly or working out flawlessly—it’s about making consistent choices that add up over time. Progress, not perfection, is the real goal.
👉 Pro Tip: Instead of waiting for a “perfect” time to restart, just make one small healthy choice today. It could be drinking more water, getting in a quick walk, or swapping your usual snack for something more nutritious.

3. Don’t Let One Bad Day Turn Into a Bad Week
One of the biggest mistakes people make is letting a single setback snowball into full-on self-sabotage. You know the drill:
“I already messed up, so I might as well keep going.”
NOPE. Stop right there! One off-track day isn’t a reason to abandon your goals—it’s a reason to refocus. Imagine if your phone slipped out of your hand and got a tiny scratch. Would you smash it with a hammer? Of course not! So why do the same to your progress?
👉 Pro Tip: Get back on track at your next meal or workout. Not tomorrow, not Monday—right now. A setback only lasts as long as you allow it to.

4. Motivation Comes After Action, Not Before
Waiting to feel motivated before you start again? That’s a trap.
Here’s a secret: motivation doesn’t just appear—it comes from taking action. When you do something small (like drinking an extra glass of water or going for a quick walk), you start to feel more motivated.
Think of it like rolling a snowball—it starts small, but as you keep pushing, it builds momentum. Your motivation works the same way.
👉 Pro Tip: When you’re feeling unmotivated, take one small step forward. The rest will follow.

5. Find Your “Why” & Make It Your Anchor
If you keep falling off track, it might be time to reconnect with your WHY.
Why did you start this journey? Was it to feel more confident? Improve your health? Keep up with your kids? Whatever your reason, keep it front and center.
Write it down. Put it on your mirror. Make it your phone wallpaper. When setbacks happen (because they will), remind yourself why you started.
👉 Pro Tip: Visual reminders are powerful! Keep a photo, a note, or a list of reasons handy to refocus your mindset when things get tough.

6. Surround Yourself with the Right Support
Let’s be honest: who you surround yourself with matters. If your environment is full of negativity, temptation, or people who don’t support your goals, staying on track will be much harder.
But when you have a strong support system, setbacks feel less overwhelming.
👉 Pro Tip: Find a friend, accountability partner, or join a community of like-minded people (like a support group or online forum). Encouragement makes all the difference.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
Setbacks don’t define your journey—your ability to keep going does. Every challenge you overcome makes you stronger, more resilient, and more determined.
So the next time you hit a rough patch, don’t give up. Dust yourself off, take a deep breath, and take the next step forward. Because no matter how many times you stumble, what truly matters is that you never stop moving. 💪
👉 Ready to get back on track? Start today with one small action—drink more water, plan your next meal, or take a quick walk. Your future self will thank you!

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