You’ve seen it before: your loved one starts off strong, swapping fries for greens, lacing up their walking shoes, and cutting back on indulgences. But somewhere along the way, old habits creep back in. The walking shoes gather dust. The greens spoil in the fridge. You want to help them get back on track, but you’re not sure how to start the conversation without sounding critical or pushy.
Setbacks happen, and they’re part of the journey — not the end of it. Supporting heart health is about progress, not perfection. With patience, empathy, and teamwork, you can help your loved one find their motivation again and move forward, one small step at a time. This guide will help you check in with care, reignite heart health motivation, and work together toward consistent, realistic goals without stress or criticism.
Acknowledge the Struggle
It’s something we all know but occasionally forget: change is hard. Giving up favorite foods, staying motivated to exercise, and dealing with habit fatigue all produce setbacks — and that’s perfectly normal. Your loved one might feel discouraged, frustrated, or even resentful about these changes, especially if they miss old routines like a glass of wine with dinner or a favorite snack.
Approach the conversation with understanding instead of judgment. Open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling about your heart-health goals?” can create a safe space for them to share their challenges. By acknowledging their struggles without judgement you show that you’re on their side and ready to help, not lecture
Focus on Partnership, Not Perfection
Since heart health and new routines can come with difficulty, teamwork can provide the extra push and support your loved one needs to stick with their goals. Frame the journey as a shared effort. Use “we” language to show you’re in this together — “How can we make this easier for you?” — and avoid sounding like you’re assigning blame.
Set small “partner goals” to make heart-healthy habits feel manageable and collaborative. For example:
- Commit to walking together for 15-30 minutes each day. This can even function as a valuable way to bond. Consider starting the conversation with something like, “Want to go for a walk together? I miss spending that time with you.” You can even start our Get-Moving Walking Plan For Beginners together.
- Try cooking a new heart-healthy recipe together once a week. Our Heart Healthy Dinner Cookbook or variety of healthy recipes can be quick and easy places to start.
- Attempt the Healthy Heart Challenge together.
Check in regularly to see if these goals need adjusting. Remember, perfection isn’t the goal — consistency and effort matter most. A small step forward is still a step in the right direction
Reignite Motivation Through Positivity
Sometimes, all it takes to rebuild motivation is a shift in perspective. Setbacks don’t mean failure; they’re opportunities to reset, learn, and move forward. Remind your loved one of the benefits of supporting heart health, such as more energy, better mobility, and a chance to enjoy life together for years to come. Encourage them to focus on small, manageable steps instead of overhauling everything all at once. And remember: the right attitude and mindset will take you both far.
Create a Plan Together
When goals feel overwhelming, creating a simple, achievable plan can help. Work with your loved one to set short-term, low-pressure goals that bring back a sense of control and accountability.
Here’s how to get started:
- Start small. Choose one focus area to start with, like walking for 10 minutes a day, stretching every morning, scheduling a wellness appointment, or swapping one sugary snack for a heart-healthy option, like fresh fruit or nuts.
- Write it down. Use tools like checklists, calendars, or a heart health app to track progress together.
- Make it fun. Try a new heart-healthy recipe or plan a family activity that involves movement, like a trip to the park.
- Celebrate success. Acknowledge every goal achieved, no matter how small. Progress builds momentum!
Working together to plan these steps can help your loved one feel supported, not pressured
Read More: 6 Heart Health Checklist Tips
Model Healthy Habits
Actions often speak louder than words. One of the most effective ways to inspire your loved one is to lead by example. Show that you’re invested in heart-healthy habits too by joining them in the effort. Your loved one is going to have a better time if they believe that you’re truly in this together, and modeling the behavior is more inspiring than lecturing about it (plus, it shows you aren’t a hypocrite). Make healthy swaps for snacks and meals in your own routine, stay consistent with your supplements, and suggest participation in activities you both enjoy, like gardening, swimming, or nature watching. When you show that you’re committed to a healthier lifestyle, it creates motivation through partnership rather than pressure.
Related: 10 Ways to Keep Your Heart Healthy
Know When to Seek Help
If your loved one is resistant to change or if their health seems to be declining, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional. Sometimes, hearing guidance from a trusted doctor or specialist can kickstart a more serious devotion to healthy behaviors. Approach this topic gently, framing it as a supportive conversation, using phrasing like, “I care about you, and I want to make sure we’re doing everything we can for your health. How about scheduling a wellness checkup to see how things are going?” Regular heart health screenings are an invaluable step in staying on track and addressing concerns before they become bigger issues.
Celebrate Progress and Be Patient
We all want to be the very best we can and do our best for others, but real world changes and heart health support aren’t about perfection — what’s required is showing up, trying again, and celebrating every move forward, no matter how small. By leading with empathy, collaborating as a team, and focusing on what’s working, you can make the journey feel less like a burden and more like a shared path to a healthier, happier life.
Remember, these tips are flexible — find what works best for your loved one and your unique situation. Together, you can create healthier habits and a brighter, heart-healthy future.
If you’re a caregiver in need of more support, our caregiver guide offers valuable tips and organizational tools to help you on your care journey.
