Finding the One Thing That Makes a Difference: Lessons from a Goal-Setting Luncheon

I recently attended a goal-setting luncheon hosted by my friend and long-time health coach Susan Hunter , the brilliant mind behind The Health Edit. This wasn’t just any ordinary lunch; it was an experience that blended insight, clarity, and empowerment—something that I believe is so essential, whether you’re focusing on your health, your business, or your life.

A Lunch with Purpose

Sitting down with Susan and a group of like-minded individuals, we were each given a placemat with a series of questions to answer. These weren’t just any questions—they were designed to help us zero in on our short and medium-term health goals.

What struck me most was how Susan cut through the clutter and honed in on the one thing that each of us could do to make a tangible difference in our health. It wasn’t about overhauling our entire lives or adopting a strict new regimen. Instead, it was about finding that one manageable, impactful step that could ripple through and create lasting change.

The Power of the One Thing

Susan’s approach is a refreshing antidote to the overwhelm that often accompanies any attempt to improve our health or well-being. She helped me realize that sometimes, the best step forward isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing less—but with greater intention.

In my case, that meant acknowledging that I was in a season where I couldn’t handle too much change. Instead of adding to my load, Susan identified one small, yet highly leveraged action I could take: a supplement to help regulate my serotonin levels. This wasn’t just a generic recommendation; it was tailored specifically to my needs, considering my unique circumstances and challenges.

Her deep knowledge and personalized approach saved me from spending time and energy trying to “fix” things on my own, possibly with little to no result. That’s the value she brings—not just her expertise, but her ability to see the bigger picture and guide you towards what will actually make a difference.

The Human Factor in Health and Business

What I love most about Susan’s approach is how it aligns so closely with my own philosophy in business and marketing. In both realms, I believe it’s crucial to consider the human factor.

We’re not machines—we have moods, emotions, and seasons in life that affect how we perform and what we need. Just as Susan advises to find what truly serves you in your health journey, I encourage my clients to do the same in their businesses. Don’t force yourself into rigid frameworks that drain you; instead, focus on what inspires and energizes you.

Susan’s approach to health is about making it accessible and sustainable, and that’s precisely how I view business and marketing. It’s about finding what fits with your life right now and working with that, rather than against it. We both believe in creating strategies that are not only effective but also enriching and fulfilling.

Case in point: My turn to share about my health goals co-incided with ordering dessert and I really loved that Susan made a point of encouraging dessert before we dive into it. (she's SO my kind of health coach!!) and that's why I've turned to hear for years and trust her - because not just caring, knowledgable and qualified - she's also realistic and so relatable!

Principles to apply to any area of your life where you want to see change.

1. Zero In on Your Focus Area: Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, identify which domain or area of your life needs the most attention right now. This could be anything from nutrition, mental health, or exercise, to something more specific like sleep or stress management. By narrowing your focus, you can seek out the best information and advice tailored to that specific area This targeted approach will ensure that your efforts are more effective and sustainable, rather than spreading yourself too thin across multiple areas.? ? ? ?
2. Honor Your Season: Recognize where you are in your journey and respect that. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is to give yourself permission to be in a season of pause or minimal change.? Right now I'm in a particularly intense personal situation, and knowing that, apart from adding one supplement, Susan gave me a "leave pass" to just focus on maintaining my emotional and logistical challenges, rather than adding more into the mix. ? ? ?
3. Seek Best-in-Class, Tailored Advice: Just as Susan provided me with a personalised solution, seek out advice or guidance that is specific to your situation. Generic advice can only take you so far; real transformation comes from solutions that are tailored to you. And when you have trust in the expertise and care of the person giving that advice, it makes all the difference around whether you'll apply it. (and as we know, it's the application of small things consistently that can make the biggest impact!).

For example, a few years ago when I was in a very difficult spot Susan suggested something as simple as incorporating walnuts into my diet to boost my brain health and energy levels—a small, manageable change that made a significant difference. I shared more about that in a previous post (and even wrote about it in my book, Marketing Me), and it’s a perfect illustration of how tiny adjustments can yield substantial results.

Embrace the Journey, Trust the Process

As you navigate your health, business, or personal growth, remember that it’s not about perfection or doing everything at once. It’s about finding the one thing that matters most in this moment and trusting that small, intentional steps can lead to profound change.

Life is full of seasons—some that call for action, and others that call for rest and reflection. Embrace where you are right now, honor your unique journey, and trust that when the time is right, you’ll find the energy and motivation to make the changes that matter most.

******

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nina Christian is a Marketing Futurist & Global Marketing Mentor who helps people do their marketing in a more human way.

She is a?Certified Practicing Marketer?(CPM), Life Member and Fellow of the Australian Marketing Institute & AMI State Chair (Vic) and for 20 years was director of Braveda (Winner, Best Marketing Agency, Australian Marketing Excellence Awards).

Several years ago Nina saw the world of marketing shifting – this time as people became their own brands.? With this, she created a new business as a thought leader, combining her expertise in brand building with personal positioning, resulting in a breakthrough praxis known as?Marketing Me?. She has a knack for?simplifying the complex?which comes from being a hands-on mum to five children, and uses this to?turn time-sucking activities into easy-to-follow systems?and processes that make a lot of sense and get outcomes fast.

There are different ways to work with Nina based on your situation and organisation size - with all of them you'll see rapid transformation and tangible outcomes fast. Book a chat with Nina here.