Stop Starting Over: How to Build Healthy Habits That Stick

Starting a new healthy habit feels exciting, doesn’t it? There’s something about the fresh start—whether it’s the beginning of the school year, the start of a new year, or even a Monday—that makes us feel like this time will be different. But for so many of us, life gets in the way, and those big plans fizzle out.

I remember when I was just starting in my teaching career. Every beginning of the school year and every January felt like a chance to start over. I would buy a new planner and spend hours writing out all of my goals and aspirations for the year. I would even decorate my planner with stickers and write out how many hours and what steps it would take to get toward my goals.

And then I found, usually a few weeks into the school year or into the new year, that all of my grand plans would never really come to fruition. I would always start out great and hit the gym really hard or cook meals that were really healthy, and yet just a few weeks later it would fall off.

Since then, a few things have changed. I started a health and fitness journey almost two and a half years ago. For the first couple of years, I didn’t really see a ton of progress. I built a little bit of muscle and got into a good habit of working out, but it really took a push for that nutrition piece to come into place. Fast forward to the last six months, I feel like all of the puzzle pieces have finally clicked.

I’m no longer questioning what I need to do to get results. I’m not negotiating with myself at 5 a.m. about whether I want to get up and work out. I’m not depriving myself of foods, then having sugar cravings, and then caving when I have an emotional day.

Instead, it’s just seamless—and flexible!!— and I’ve found a routine that works for me. And this is something I can now share with you.

Why We Fall Off Track

The truth is, most of us aren’t failing because we’re lazy or unmotivated. We’re failing because life gets busy, and we haven’t set ourselves up to succeed when things get hard.

Here’s what usually happens:

• We start out too ambitious, trying to overhaul everything at once.

• We rely on motivation, which fades the moment stress hits.

• We don’t have a plan for when life throws us curveballs.

This cycle is exhausting. It’s no wonder we end up frustrated and questioning why we can’t stick to anything.

Motivation vs. Discipline: The Secret to Lasting Success

Motivation gets all the hype—it’s the spark that ignites our excitement to start something new, like a fitness routine, a side hustle, or even a healthier lifestyle. But here’s the thing: motivation is fleeting. It’s like a wave—it comes and goes, often leaving us stranded when life gets tough or busy.

This is where discipline becomes your greatest ally. Discipline isn’t about relying on bursts of energy or enthusiasm. It’s about showing up consistently, even when you don’t feel like it. It’s about creating habits that align with your goals and sticking to them, day after day. Discipline turns those fleeting moments of motivation into sustainable progress.

Think of it this way: motivation is the spark, but discipline is the fuel that keeps the fire burning. Without discipline, it’s easy to give up when the initial excitement wears off. But with discipline, you build momentum. And momentum is what leads to real, lasting success.

So, the next time you feel unmotivated, ask yourself: What small action can I take today to honor my commitment to myself?

The Shift That Changed Everything

There was a moment in my own journey when I realized I didn’t have to rely on motivation or willpower anymore. I didn’t have to wake up every day wondering if I’d follow through.

One small shift that made a huge difference for me was starting with just one habit. Instead of trying to do everything at once—meal prep, workouts, journaling—I focused on one thing: getting my workouts in, no matter what.

Here’s how I made it work:

1. I kept it simple. If I couldn’t get to the gym, I’d do a quick workout at home.

2. I tied it to something I already did. I made working out part of my morning routine, so it became automatic.

3. I celebrated the win. Even if it wasn’t perfect, showing up for myself felt like an accomplishment.

Over time, that one habit became part of my routine. Then I added the next habit—dialing in my nutrition—and built momentum from there.

How to Build Habits That Stick

If you’re tired of starting over, here are three keys to creating habits that will actually last:

1. Start Small

I know it’s tempting to want to change everything at once. But the secret to lasting change is starting small—so small it feels almost too easy.

For example, instead of saying you’re going to work out five days a week, commit to just 10 minutes a day. Once that becomes consistent, you can build from there.

2. Make It Fit Your Life

Your habits should work with your busy schedule, not against it. Think about how you can integrate them into what you’re already doing.

For instance:

• Prep simple meals on Sundays that double as lunches for the week.

• Keep a water bottle with you at all times to hit your hydration goals.

• Stack habits by doing something like packing a healthy lunch while your coffee brews.

3. Track Your Progress

There’s something powerful about seeing your progress laid out in front of you. Whether it’s a journal, an app, or a calendar where you check off each day, tracking your wins helps build momentum and keeps you motivated.

Why You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that having support makes all the difference. When you have someone to hold you accountable, guide you, and remind you of your why when life gets busy, it’s so much easier to stay on track.

That’s exactly what I help women do in my coaching program. Together, we create simple, sustainable routines that fit into your life—even when you’re juggling a million things.

If you’re ready to stop starting over and finally build habits that stick, I’d love to help. Click [here] to book a free clarity call with me, and let’s create a plan that works for you.

Conclusion: It’s Time to Break the Cycle

You don’t have to keep starting over. You don’t have to wait for the “perfect time” or feel guilty for the times you’ve fallen off.

Building habits that last isn’t about being perfect—it’s about finding what works for you, staying consistent, and giving yourself grace along the way.

Let’s break the cycle together. It’s time to stop relying on willpower, start working smarter, and create a life where your habits serve you—even when life gets busy.

Want to learn more? Click [here] to check out my calendar and find a time that works for you.