January seems to scream “time for healthier habits!” Everywhere you turn, you hear advice on the latest trend certain to whip you into shape: Go vegan. Cut out carbs. Try high intensity training. Fast. Take up pickleball.

Is all of this advice truly motivating? How do you know what activity or diet is best for you? What change is actually going to make a difference?

In giving or receiving health advice, it’s important to remember every person on this planet is made up of differences — different body types, metabolisms, health conditions, mineral and vitamin needs and deficiencies, energy levels, food tastes and motivations — and what is right for one person may not be right for you.

However, there is one thing that all who succeed in gaining greater health have in common: a healthier state of mind.

Living your best health is not about trying one thing or another; it’s about committing to a healthier lifestyle that delivers positive improvements in the way you look, feel and live. Those improvements are the true motivators for long-term success.

I like to call it a “live-style” commitment, because it is something you live and breathe every day by choice. It may seem challenging at first, but living a healthy lifestyle is something you will come to love.

Changing your mindset starts with the little things. Gauge your feelings in each moment of your life whether with friends for coffee, a family dinner, on a phone call, reading a text, exercising, choosing a dish to eat, traveling, or caring for a child or parent. Stop and take note, “How am I feeling right now?” Does this thing, place, person, text, conversation, visit, food, bring me joy? Does it fill me up, help me grow, make me smile? Do I leave the experience with a positive feeling? A positive answer supports a positive state of mind while a negative answer may inspire motivation for change and healthier choices.

A healthy state of mind starts with each choice we make. Add things to your life that make you feel better without being detrimental to your overall health. Place high importance on your surroundings, relationships, foods, supplements, the faith that keeps you centered, the people who keep you grounded, and exercise and hobbies that make your spirit soar. These are all absolutely, unconditionally necessary for a healthy life.

Remember, it’s not a race and change doesn’t happen overnight, but it does start with a healthier state of mind.

Candice Nicole is a health advocate and founder of HUmineral, a producer of plant nutrient mineral supplements. She can be reached at [email protected] or (818) 400.7657. For more information, visit www.humineral.com.