At some point, we all find ourselves at a crossroads in our health.
One path leads to action — creating new habits, building strength, and reclaiming energy.
The other leads to staying where we are comfortable for now, but often this carry’s hidden costs.
The choice may sound simple, but for many, hesitation and self-doubt keep us lingering at the crossroads.
Research shows that most people spend extended time in the contemplation stage of change, thinking about improving their health but struggling to move forward (Prochaska & Velicer, 1997).
So, what is really holding us back and what does it cost us to stay still?
Why We Get Stuck: The Psychology of Hesitation
When it comes to health and fitness, hesitation is not usually about not knowing what to do, it is about the internal roadblocks that hold us in place.
-Fear of failure: Starting something new can feel risky. We worry about not sticking to it, so we do not start at all.
-Overwhelm and lack of clarity: With so much conflicting information online, it is easier to freeze than to move.
-The “all or nothing” mindset: Waiting for the perfect time, perfect program, or perfect motivation often means never starting.
This crossroads moment is normal but the longer we stay there, the greater the cost.
The Hidden Cost of Inaction
While standing still feels safe, it quietly chips away at our health, energy, and confidence.
-Physical costs: A sedentary lifestyle is linked to higher risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity (WHO, 2020). Every month of inaction reduces your fitness and strength levels and makes it harder and slower to reach the same results you are looking for.
-Emotional costs: Hesitation often leads to guilt, frustration, fear about starting increases and a loss of self-belief.
-Lifestyle costs: Missed opportunities to enjoy life from playing with your kids or grandkids, to taking that hike, holidays and feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin.
Harvard Health notes that delaying action on health problems often leads to more complex and costly interventions down the track (Harvard Health Publishing, 2019).
1.Small Steps That Break Through
The good news?
Action does not need to be big or dramatic.
In fact, research shows small, consistent steps are the key to long-term change.
BJ Fogg’s Behavior Model explains that habits form when motivation, ability, and prompts come together.
Since motivation naturally rises and falls, the most effective strategy is to shrink the action until it feels effortless.
- Instead of an hour workout → try 5 minutes of stretching.
- Instead of overhauling your diet → swap one snack for a healthier option.
- Instead of waiting for motivation → set a reminder or link the action to something you already do.
These tiny habits build momentum — and momentum leads to breakthrough (Fogg, 2020).
2.Finding Clarity and Direction
Uncertainty is one of the biggest barriers to action.
With so much conflicting information online, many people simply do not know where to start, or which path will actually bring results.
This lack of direction can create paralysis (by analysis) and fuels inaction.
Clarity changes everything.
Having a clear, step-by-step strategy that is tailored to your body, lifestyle, and goals removes guesswork and builds confidence to move forward.
This is where a coach makes a significant difference and instead of getting generalised advice, they can use their expertise to identify the best strategy for the best results.
With a personalised roadmap, you can stop second-guessing and start acting with certainty.
3.Why Accountability Matters
Even with the best intentions, we all drift.
That is where accountability changes everything.
People are 65% more likely to reach a goal when they share it with someone else and that number jumps to 95% when they have regular check-ins (ASTD, 2011).
That is the power of coaching: not just giving you a specific plan but walking with you each week to ensure you follow through.
As one of our clients, Craig shared, “I spent many years prior to Cameron working towards a better healthier life. Lots of efforts, little rewards. So, if you want to save time and energy. Use Core Health Coaching if you are looking for a true, honest health coach, who will invest his time into your wellbeing.”
4.The Power of Support Systems
Change is harder in isolation.
Without encouragement or accountability, it is easy to slip back into old habits and lose momentum.
Having a strong support system makes action easier and more sustainable.
Whether it is friends, family, or a structured coaching program, support provides encouragement when motivation is low and accountability when life gets busy.
That support system is often the missing link between good intentions and lasting results.
Summary and Your Next Steps
If you have been sitting at the crossroads, remember hesitation is normal, but it comes at a cost.
The breakthrough happens when clarity, small steps, support and accountability come together.
The first step does not need to be big; it just needs to be taken.
Imagine where you could be in three months if you started today.
Navigate The Action Breakthrough Series
This article is the first in our Action Breakthrough Series, designed to help you overcome what is holding you back and finally create momentum in your health and fitness.
If you missed the posts in this series, catch up below:
- Blog 1: From Crossroads to Action: How to Break Through What’s Holding You Back (THIS POST)
- Blog 2: What Makes Tiny Habits the Secret to Health Success?
- Blog 3: Coming Soon – The Simple Truth About Why Your Plans Never Work (Until Now)
- Blog 4: Coming Soon – The Power of Support Systems
- Blog 5: Coming Soon – Overcoming the All-or-Nothing Mindset
- Blog 6: Coming Soon – Energy as Fuel for Action
- Blog 7: Coming Soon – Mindset Matters: Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs
- Blog 8: Coming Soon – Momentum Over Motivation: How to Keep Going When the Spark Fades
Cameron Corish has been caring and achieving results for the local Wishart, Mansfield and Mt Gravatt community for over 15 years. He takes a multi-disciplined and holistic approach to health and fitness addressing the physical, mental and emotional aspects of one’s health.
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Research References
-Prochaska, J. O., & Velicer, W. F. (1997). The transtheoretical model of health behavior change. American Journal of Health Promotion.
-World Health Organization. (2020). Physical inactivity a leading cause of chronic disease.
-Harvard Health Publishing. (2019). Why waiting to address health problems makes things worse.
-Fogg, B. J. (2020). Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything.
-American Society of Training & Development (ASTD). (2011). Accountability and goal achievement research.
