The Science of Change: What Really Works for Women in Menopause

At some point—whether it's at the start of a new year, a milestone birthday, or simply after yet another night of broken sleep—you might feel the pull to create change. A fresh start. A healthier way of living. A sense of control in a body that suddenly feels unfamiliar.

If you're going through menopause, these moments of reflection can be especially powerful. You might want more energy, better sleep, fewer symptoms, or simply to feel like yourself again. But despite having the knowledge (and maybe even the motivation), making lasting change is hard.

You’re not alone. In fact, research shows that around 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. Not because people lack willpower, but because they don’t have the right strategies—or the right support.

We Often Know What to Do… So Why Don’t We Do It?

You know more than you think. Most women in midlife have tried the diets, the exercise routines, the supplements, the podcasts. You’ve probably downloaded the tracker apps, joined the Facebook groups, or followed the influencers.

But knowing isn’t the same as doing.

Especially during menopause, when your energy is lower, motivation fluctuates, and your nervous system is under pressure from hormonal shifts, stress, and sleep disruption. Even with the best intentions, it can be hard to take consistent action.

This is where working with The Menopause Health Coach can make all the difference. Inside our programs we don’t just hand you a plan—we help you implement it. With a deep understanding of the psychology of change, the impact of menopause on your brain and body, we work with you to build real, sustainable habits around your life.

Why Change Fails—and How to Make It Stick

Let’s break down what often gets in the way of change—and how to overcome it using proven techniques that work, especially in midlife.

1. Vague or Overwhelming Goals

"I want to get healthy" sounds great, but it doesn’t give you a map. Big, broad goals can quickly feel overwhelming—especially if you're fatigued, foggy, or juggling work, family, and hormonal chaos.

Try this: Instead of “get fit,” aim for “walk for 10 minutes after lunch 3 times this week.” Specific, measurable goals are easier to act on—and easier to build momentum from.

2. Trying to Change Everything at Once

Making dramatic shifts—like cutting out all sugar, starting daily workouts, and meditating every morning—might work short-term, but often leads to burnout or discouragement.

Try this: Start small. Behavioural science and research on habit formation (like that from the University of Warwick) show that small, consistent actions are more likely to become lasting habits.

3. Not Understanding Your Habits

Habits are formed through a loop: trigger → action→ reward. If you're trying to change a habit (like late-night snacking), you need to identify what triggers it (fatigue, boredom, stress) and find a new routine that offers a similar reward (comfort, distraction, dopamine).

Try this: Replace the snack with a cup of tea, a short walk, or a non-food reward—but only after recognising the trigger.

4. No Support or Accountability

Let’s be real—most of us struggle to hold ourselves accountable when we're tired, busy, or overwhelmed. And menopause can make all of those things worse.

Try this: Share your goals with someone. Better yet, work with a coach trained to guide you through the emotional, mental, and physical barriers that show up in midlife. Research shows accountability significantly improves goal achievement.

Mindset Matters—Especially Now

A huge factor in whether you stick with a new habit or not comes down to mindset. According to psychologist Carol Dweck, people with a growth mindset—who believe they can improve with effort—are far more likely to succeed than those who believe their abilities are fixed.

During menopause, it’s easy to feel defeated. But adopting a growth mindset helps you see challenges as opportunities, not dead-ends. A coach helps you stay grounded in possibility, even when motivation dips or progress feels slow.

The Role of a Coach in Midlife Change

Change isn’t just about willpower—it’s about strategy, support, and self-awareness. A menopause coach understands that your energy, motivation, metabolism, and emotional resilience are different than they were in your 30s.

A coach helps you:

  • Break down goals into manageable steps

  • Build habits that work with your current energy levels

  • Stay accountable without shame or pressure

  • Understand and respond to emotional and hormonal triggers

  • Shift limiting beliefs and reinforce a growth mindset

  • Actually follow through on the changes you want to make

You Don’t Need a New Year to Start—You Just Need a Plan

While January might be symbolic, you don’t need to wait for the calendar to give you permission. You can create change anytime—today, next Monday, or even after lunch.

What matters isn’t the start date. It’s the consistency, support, and belief that you can change—even during one of the most transformative seasons of your life.

Ready for Sustainable Change?

If you're feeling stuck, tired of trying on your own, or overwhelmed by everything you "should" be doing, you just need a better framework for change.

Coaching offers a practical, science-backed, and deeply human approach to feeling better in your body, mind, and life—especially during menopause. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Change Doesn’t Need to Wait for a New Year

The New Year may be symbolic, but meaningful change doesn’t need a date on the calendar. You can set weekly, monthly, or quarterly goals—any time of the year. Heck, you can start today.

Coaching Helps You Turn Knowledge Into Action

The truth is, you probably already know what would help you feel better.

But menopause changes the rules—and that’s why coaching matters. A menopause health coach doesn’t just tell you what to do. They help you:

  • Make changes that work for your body and life

  • Stay consistent when motivation fades

  • Build sustainable habits without overwhelm

  • Reframe setbacks into learning opportunities

  • Feel supported, not judged, every step of the way

You’re Not Starting Over—You’re Starting Fresh

Change doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful. In fact, the most powerful transformations often begin with the smallest, simplest steps.

Whether it’s today, next week, or next season—you can begin again.

And you don’t have to do it alone.


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Feeling off in balance in midlife? 10 Ways a Health Coach Can Help You Reclaim Your Well-being