Tracy serves as a Professional Development Specialist in HR Learning and Development, where she designs and leads campus‑wide learning and development initiatives for employees. She also currently acts as the Learning Workstream Lead for Capstone Convergence for Workday Learning.
What helped you stay consistent with your steps this month?
Some days are better than others, but I’ve learned that consistency over time matters more than having a perfect day. What helped most was building movement into my daily routine instead of treating it like another task on my to-do list. Staying consistent matters to me because I’ve made some major health changes over the past year, including losing over 50 pounds, and movement has become one of the ways I take care of that progress. Also, the older I get, the more I realize movement isn’t optional anymore… Sometimes you move because it’s good for you, and sometimes you move because your body starts filing complaints if you don’t!
What does a typical day of movement look like for you?
I try to build movement naturally into my workday. I have an adjustable desk that allows me to stand throughout the day, and I keep a mini walking pad in my office so I can get steps in while working or when it rains! I also like to take a walk during my lunch break when possible. After work, I usually spend time outside playing with my dog, we both need the movement after a long day! On the weekends, I stay pretty active just taking care of things around the house or working outside, so I’m usually moving without even thinking about step counts. I try to look for small opportunities to move throughout the day rather than relying on one big workout.
How do you stay motivated when you don’t feel like getting your steps in?
I stay motivated mainly by two things: my health and my service dog. My lunchtime walks help me mentally, emotionally, and physically, while also giving my dog Remy the chance to get out and move too. Even working dogs need a break sometimes.
I also have a weekly step friendly competition with my mom, which adds a little extra motivation. She is very committed to letting me know when she wins.
What advice would you give to someone just getting started?
Everyone’s starting point is different, so the goal is just to be a little more active than you were yesterday. Start small and focus on consistency rather than perfection. You don’t have to change everything overnight. Even small things like short walks, standing more during the day, or setting simple step goals can add up over time. The small choices you make every day really do add up over time.
The biggest thing is finding ways to make movement part of your normal routine, so it doesn’t feel like another chore. At the end of the day, wellness doesn’t have to be complicated just keep moving, find something that makes you smile, and if you have a dog, they make a great accountability partner. Mine is extremely committed to making sure I never skip a walk.