Your walking journey hasn't finished, it's only just getting started...
See how far you’ve come
Did you know that habits can account for nearly half of our behaviours every day? This means that creating new habits can make it much easier to progress towards our goals.
As 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 also because you have started to notice the improvements in your physical and mental health, and you’d like them to continue. You may have noticed your muscles feeling stronger, or that you have better balance and freer movement in your joints. It feels good, right? You want to build on that. If you are not quite there yet, that is OK. 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.
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
Elizabeth Calleja, Heart Foundation Senior Advisor of Physical Activity
The benefits you’re experiencing will hopefully make staying motivated easier. If you keep going with your walking, it will help you to take advantage of all the physical and mental health benefits it will continue to bring.
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.
