I hear it all the time: "Joe, you've inspired me to get started on my own Health Happenings." Then a few weeks later I check in, and nothing has changed. That's heartbreaking. So here's how I actually got started.

I was full of excuses

My number one excuse was time. I run my own business and work directly with buyers and sellers who need me at the drop of a dime. How was I ever going to exercise or eat healthy? I was lying to myself. I was eating out constantly and telling myself some of those meals were healthy, when some of them had more calories than a Big Mac meal.

What finally got me started

• Watching myself. I post a ton of content, and watching my own videos I could see myself progressively getting bigger. If I kept going down that path, I didn't think I'd be around for much longer.
• The people who depend on me. I run a company. People work with me day in and day out and depend on me. If something happens to me, it affects them too.

Start easy, then keep improving

I didn't do anything crazy at the start. I started walking and eating better. Then I kept improving, week after week. Now I eat almost completely plant-based, with exceptions for reviews, and I'm running 10K yogs.

Whatever your reason is, find it, hold onto it, and take the first step today. If you're having trouble getting going, join the Health Happenings group on Facebook or message me directly.

Joe is not a doctor or a dietitian. This is his personal journey. Talk to your healthcare provider before making big changes to your diet or exercise.