Hello everyone, and welcome to The Diabetic Toolbox! We’re on a mission to end Type 2 Diabetes, one family at a time, through education, support, and empowerment.
Today, I want to share how I turned my tiny daily habits into a lifestyle I truly enjoy. We’re talking about how to move from being discipline-driven to identity-driven, a subtle yet powerful shift that leads to lasting joy and makes you the health and wellness game-changer for your family.
Discipline-Driven: Getting Things Done
When I first started my wellness journey, I was all about discipline. I had a checklist, and every day looked something like this:
Workout — check
Three healthy meals — check
Food journaling — check
Turn off the TV an hour before bedtime — check
Like many of you, I was determined to get my list completed each day. And while discipline helped me build consistency, it often felt like a chore. If I missed something, I felt like I’d failed. Discipline is about doing; it’s the foundation that helps us get started and stay on track. But staying in that mindset too long can make wellness feel like punishment rather than freedom.
Driven by Identity: Becoming the Person You Want to Be
Then something shifted. I realized that my habits weren’t just tasks; they were a reflection of who I wanted to become. I wasn’t someone “trying” to be healthy; I was a healthy person making choices that matched my identity.
When you become identity-driven, your habits are no longer things you force yourself to do; they become part of who you are. You don’t go to the gym because you have to; you move your body because you love yourself. You don’t meal prep because it’s on your list; you do it because you value your energy and peace.
That’s the transformation, from doing to being. And that’s where the lifelong joy begins. To get there, you have to stick with your plan. Once you create it, keep it for at least 90 days, then review and adjust.
Finding a Plan That Fits You
Here’s the truth: your plan will not become your identity if you keep switching it. Pick a plan and stick with it, but make sure it truly fits your life, not your best friend or someone you saw on social media. Your wellness journey should feel like a natural extension of who you are, not a punishment or a race to the finish line.
If you’re not a 5 a.m. gym person, don’t force yourself to become one. Instead, find movement that brings you joy. Maybe that’s an evening walk with your family, a Saturday morning dance class, or even stretching while watching your favorite show. The key is sustainability, building a lifestyle you can maintain and enjoy long after the excitement of “starting something new” fades.
And please remember: celebrate your wins along the way. I don’t know how many folks I speak with who tell me they are postponing their celebration until something big happens. Those small victories, the days you choose water over soda, the moments you say no to late-night snacking, or the times you simply show up for yourself, matter more than you think. Every tiny step is evidence of progress. Every healthy choice is a vote for the person you’re becoming.
When you celebrate your wins, you begin to identify with your plan. You stop seeing it as something you have to do and start embracing it as something that defines who you are. That’s the magic moment when habits become identity, when the plan isn’t just what you follow, it’s what you live.
So don’t hold your breath waiting for things to be perfect before you start living and being happy. The joy isn’t waiting at the finish line; it’s found in the process, in the learning, and in every small decision that moves you forward. Wellness should enhance your life, not restrict it. This is your journey, make it beautiful, make it joyful, and most importantly, make it yours.
Download the Free Crave Buster Guide!
If you’ve been struggling with sugar cravings or feeling like you’ve fallen off track, I’ve got something for you! Download the Crave Buster Guide, a free 3-day guide to help you tame those sugar cravings and get back on the path toward balanced, joyful health.
And that’s all I have for you today, my friends. Transformation doesn’t happen overnight; it happens one small, intentional habit at a time. Be patient, stay consistent, and celebrate who you’re becoming every step of the way.
Please let us know in the comments: What tiny habit are you focusing on this week?
And don’t forget to share this post with someone you love who could use a little inspiration.
Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.
With Peace and Love,
Renee
The Diabetic Toolbox 