Week 6 | Progress

Walk for progress

If we stick to our goal, it doesn’t take long to create a new habit. Habits can account for nearly half of our behaviours every day. This makes creating new habits essential to progressing towards our goals. If you are coming to the end of your six-week walking plan, you might decide it’s natural to keep going. Not only because it is starting to feel like a good habit - but you’ve also noticed the improvements in your physical and mental health, and you’d like them to continue. You may notice your muscles are stronger, you have better balance and blood-flow, and freer movement in your joints. It feels good, right? You want to build on that. We are all different and it might take some longer than others to form the habit of walking regularly. Perseverance is the key to making it happen.
 

Results as reward

Walking takes effort, until it doesn’t. In the beginning we might be lugging ourselves around and then one day we don’t feel it all. We’re enjoying the sights and sounds around us, or the other walkers we’re meeting along the way. The physical benefits have kicked in and we now have more energy. We might be sleeping better and standing taller. Once the effort we’ve made starts achieving results, our walks become all about them. The results are our reward.
 

Stay Motivated

It is comforting to know the hardest part - getting started, is behind you. Now it’s about consistency. Michelle Marshall, Individual Walking Lead at The Heart Foundation says, ‘Consistency is not about being perfect, but about making small, positive choices every day that lead to lasting change. It's the daily habits, no matter how small, that shape your future.’

The benefits you’re experiencing are most likely making motivation easier. Walking now comes naturally, like the air you’re breathing more deeply and the rush of those happy hormones, improving your mood. 
 
The reality is walking starts working for us from the very first day. Within minutes of walking our heart and lungs are working harder than they do at rest. Our blood is pumping faster, and we are more alert. Our mood can start to improve even 10 minutes in. It’s remarkable really.

Congratulations on your progress! There’s no reason to stop now. Stick to your plan to walk for your health, your happiness, and your life. Keep going.