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For Kristen Farrell, owner of Val-U-Blinds, the moment she realized something had to change didn’t come from looking in the mirror. It came from everyday moments—moments that suddenly felt harder than they should.
Walking up stairs at a client’s home. Kneeling to take measurements and struggling to stand again. Feeling winded or limited by tasks that once felt easy.
“It just started hitting me,” she said. “I wanted to be around for my grandkids—and their kids.”
Three years ago, she made a choice that would reshape her life. The result? Over 100 pounds lost, an incredible accomplishment—but Kristen is quick to clarify that the number on the scale was never the goal.
“I felt pretty when I was overweight,” she shared. “It wasn’t about that. I wanted to be healthy. I wanted to stick around and enjoy my retirement someday.”
Dr. Patty Price, who specializes in eating disorders and behavioral change, emphasized that major transformations rarely start overnight. Sometimes the motivation builds slowly; other times, it arrives in an instant of clarity.
In her practice, Dr. Price often uses the Stages of Change Model, a framework that outlines how people move from not recognizing a problem to taking meaningful action.
Pre‑contemplation: You’re engaging in a behavior, but not yet aware of its impact.Contemplation: The lightbulb moment—something needs to change.Preparation: Gathering tools, resources, and internal motivation.Action: Making the change happen.Maintenance: Continuing the new habit long term.
Dr. Price notes that preparing mentally is just as important as preparing physically. That means anticipating moments of doubt, reconnecting with your reasons for beginning, and staying grounded in your values.
“One of the first things I have people do is a values assessment,” she explained. “Write down your values and order them in priority. People often decide to change when they see the gap between who they are now and who they want to be.”
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