COVID lockdown may have sparked many people’s foray into baking sourdough bread, but I finally had the chance to learn how to make it this week.

A few days ago, I went out for lunch with my dear friend and sourdough aficionado,  Sue, and after expressing my desire to learn how to bake the bread, she offered me some “starter.”  

Fast forward to me in the kitchen later in the week… it turns out that making sourdough is simple, but not easy.

There’s the “starter” process. 

Then waiting. 

Mixing.

Then waiting. 

Stretching and folding. 

More waiting. 

Shaping. 

More waiting. 

Baking. 

And then—finally—a warm, crusty loaf that smells like accomplishment. It’s a feeling of pride and satisfaction that’s hard to beat.

It took way longer than I expected. And not just time on the clock, but attention. 

Patience. 

Baking is a science; you repeat the same steps over and over until the pieces fit together just right. And, in my case, this week, you’re left with sourdough. 

Creating lasting habits is also a lot like baking bread.

At first, I was in the stage of “uninformed optimism”—excited for the result, imagining rustic Instagram-worthy loaves cooling on my counter. 

But then came the sticky dough, the flops, the doubt. That’s “informed pessimism”—the emotional stage when we realize change isn’t as effortless as we’d hoped.

Most people quit there, whether it’s bread or better health. 

​​But if you keep going—if you know why you started—you push through what behaviour scientists call the “valley of despair”, a period where the initial excitement and motivation wane, and the reality of the effort required sets in.

Then, gradually, you begin to feel the transformation. The dough evolves. And so do you. 

You move into “informed optimism”—confidence that it’s working, even if it’s not perfect yet. It’s a reassuring feeling that you’re on the right track.

Finally, success and fulfillment: The habit sticks. The loaf rises.

Changing your health is no different. Whether it’s about eating more vegetables, exercising regularly, or getting enough sleep, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up. 

Repeating. Learning. Getting coached when you need it (thank you, Sue!). 

Whether you’re learning to knead dough or build a healthy habit, it’s never about willpower—it’s about the process.

And here’s what I believe: it’s way easier when you make it playful. 

Whether it’s turning your workout into a dance party, experimenting with new healthy recipes, or finding a workout buddy, adding a playful element can make the process more enjoyable and sustainable.

So yes, I made sourdough. And I’m going to make another one next week. 

But more than that, I was reminded that any good thing takes time, repetition, and a whole lot of patience, just like changing your health habits, for good.

Because the best loaves, and the best lives, are the ones we give ourselves time to rise into🤗

Play on!

Your friend and coach,

Jan xox

P.S. Whenever you are ready, here are 3 ways I can help you make positive behaviour changes for your health:

1. Join the FREE “7 Days of Healthy Habits” Course – A day-by-day habits playbook so you can master the skills you need to get more in control of your health simply and easily.

2. Need inspiration to move more this summer? Grab all the free assessment downloads from my book, PLUS the list of 150 Ways To Move More HERE!

3. 📩 Apply for a 1:1 Coaching Spot Today. Let’s create a personalized, sustainable plan designed just for you. Click HERE to take the first step toward your best health.