We often think our health is determined by the big decisions we make, writes Pete Richards.
These could be joining a gym, starting a diet, running a marathon, giving up alcohol, losing weight … the list could go on.
But as these are big decisions, they are often harder to take and then actually do.
An alternative approach, which is often easier, is to look at the smaller decisions.
Every time you make a choice, you are effectively casting a vote for the person you want to become.
Walking is a good example.
You could drive to the shop, or you could walk.
You could take the lift, or the stairs.
You could spend your lunch break sitting at your desk, or go for a ten-minute walk.
None of these decisions will make much difference on their own, but they all add up.
The same is true with strength training.
Missing one session isn't going to make you suddenly lose your strength, but if you keep putting it off, then those decisions start to add up.
And it works the other way too.
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One strength session won't make you strong, but over time each session will.
So each time you make a choice, you're reinforcing the behaviour, and then the choice often becomes easier.
This is why we sometimes make getting healthy more complicated than it needs to be.
We look for the perfect exercise programme or the perfect diet, when what really matters is what we do repeatedly.
You don't need to get every decision right; this rarely happens.
It is possible to have that piece of cake or to miss that workout.
Sometimes life just happens!
The important thing is what happens next.
Do you get back to your normal routine, or does one missed workout become two, then three, then a month?
Think about the person you want to be in 10 or 20 years.
If you want to be someone who is strong, active and independent, start making some of your daily decisions consistent with that person.
Decide to go for the walk, take the stairs, do that strength session.
Each one is another vote.
You don't need every vote to be the right one; we are not looking for a landslide victory.
All you need is a majority in your favour.
If you'd like some help making those small changes and turning them into habits that last, I'd love to help.
Visit coachpete.co.uk.
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