Starting Strong: Anchor Your “Why” in Faith

Lindy Schlabach
Oct 9
2 min read

Philippians 4:13 (NLT):“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

When you’re starting a new health journey, it’s easy to focus on the mountain ahead—how much weight you want to lose, how far you have to go, or how many habits you need to build. But the truth is, lasting change doesn’t start with a perfect plan. It starts with the right foundation.

The first step to starting strong is to anchor your “why” in faith.

1. Anchor Your “Why” in Faith

Instead of focusing only on appearance, root your motivation in purpose.

Maybe your “why” is to have the energy to play with your kids or grandkids.Maybe it’s to serve in ministry without fatigue holding you back.Maybe it’s simply to feel stronger and show up more fully for the life God’s called you to live.

When your “why” is anchored in faith, your motivation becomes more than a goal—it becomes worship.

2. Shrink the Mountain

If you have 50 pounds to lose, don’t stare at the 50. That’s overwhelming. Instead, focus on the first 5 pounds.

That’s a real, tangible goal. Once you reach it, celebrate—and then set the next one. Progress is built one faithful step at a time.

3. Focus on the First Habit, Not All the Habits

When you’re starting out, it’s tempting to want to change everything at once—your meals, your movement, your sleep, your routines. But that often leads to burnout.

Choose one habit to start this week. Maybe it’s drinking more water, taking a daily walk, or packing a balanced lunch. Start small, stay consistent, and let God strengthen your endurance.

Take a few minutes to think and pray through these:

What’s the real reason you want to lose weight? Beyond appearance, what’s your deeper “why”?
What would your life look like if you were free from the extra weight—physically and spiritually—that’s holding you back?
Are you willing to do the work it will take to get there? Only you can decide to make true change.
What is one small step you can take this week to move closer to that vision?