It’s mid-January, and if you’re like most of us, those shiny New Year’s resolutions might already feel a little shaky. Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not failing. The truth is, building routines that stick takes time, trial, and error. The key isn’t perfection; it’s progress.
Let’s dig into five practical ways to build new and improved routines that truly work for your life.
1. Start Small and Stay Consistent
It’s tempting to overhaul everything at once: wake up at 5 AM, hit the gym daily, start meal prepping, and meditate for an hour. But here’s the secret: the smaller the change, the easier it is to stick with it.
Try this: Choose one habit to focus on and make it so small it’s almost impossible to fail. For example, if your goal is to start journaling, commit to writing just one sentence a day. Once that feels second nature, you can build from there.
Resource: Check out Atomic Habits by James Clear for more tips on starting small and building momentum.
2. Anchor Your New Habits to Existing Ones
Want to create a habit that sticks? Tie it to something you’re already doing consistently. This is called habit stacking, and it’s a game-changer.
Try this: If you want to add stretching to your morning routine, do it right after brushing your teeth. Or if you want to start drinking more water, sip a glass right before your morning coffee.
Resource: Get this Habit Tracker to keep track of your stacked habits.
3. Make It Fun
If your new routine feels like a chore, chances are you’ll skip it. The key is to make it something you actually want to do. Fun can look different for everyone, so think about what brings you joy.
Try this: If you want to start exercising, swap boring treadmill sessions for a dance class, hike with a friend, or even work out at home with someone I’ve been following for years (and her workouts are free!), Heather Robertson. Adding music, friends, or a reward can make all the difference.
Pro Tip: Celebrate your wins—big or small! Whether it’s checking off your habit tracker or treating yourself to your favorite coffee after a week of consistency, rewarding yourself reinforces the behavior.
4. Plan for Obstacles
Life happens. Kids get sick, deadlines pop up, or you just don’t feel like it. Instead of letting obstacles derail you, plan for them ahead of time.
Try this: Identify potential challenges and write down your backup plan. For example, if your evening walk gets canceled by rain, do a 10-minute indoor yoga session instead. If you miss your morning routine, aim for an afternoon version.
Resource: The “WOOP Method” (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) is a great way to mentally prepare for setbacks.
5. Track Your Progress and Reflect
Sometimes, the best motivation is seeing how far you’ve come. Tracking your progress helps you stay accountable and gives you a sense of accomplishment.
Try this: Use a journal, app, or even just a sticky note on your fridge to track your routine daily. At the end of the week, reflect: What went well? What felt hard? How can you adjust?
Resource: Apps like Streaks or Habitica make habit tracking fun and easy.
Final Thoughts
Remember, routines aren’t about perfection; they’re about building a life that feels good and sustainable. Start small, stay flexible, and don’t be afraid to adjust as you go. Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Every step you take—no matter how small—is a step in the right direction.
What routine are you working on right now? Let me know in the comments or hit reply if you’re reading this through my newsletter. I’d love to hear how it’s going for you!
Let’s make this year one of intentional progress, together.