We all have good intentions when it comes to routines—whether it’s a morning routine, a fitness habit, or a daily planning session. But when life gets hectic, it’s easy for routines to slip through the cracks. The key to making routines stick isn’t just discipline—it’s about designing them in a way that works with your life, not against it.
Here’s how:
1. Start Small & Build Up
The biggest mistake people make is trying to overhaul their entire routine overnight. Instead, start with one small habit and build from there. For example, if you want to create a morning routine, begin with just five minutes of stretching or journaling before adding more steps.
2. Anchor New Habits to Existing Ones
One of the easiest ways to make a routine stick is to connect it to something you already do. This is known as habit stacking. If you want to drink more water, make it a rule to have a glass before your morning coffee. If you want to review your schedule daily, do it right after brushing your teeth.
3. Keep It Simple & Achievable
When life gets overwhelming, routines need to be so simple that skipping them feels harder than doing them. If your exercise routine is 30 minutes but you only have 10, do the 10. If your evening routine includes journaling but you’re exhausted, write just one sentence. The goal is to keep the habit alive, even in a small way.
4. Plan for Real Life, Not the Perfect Scenario
A routine that only works when everything goes smoothly is destined to fail. Instead, create flexible routines with built-in alternatives. If you usually work out in the morning but oversleep, have a backup plan for a 10-minute walk at lunch. If your meal-prep routine gets disrupted, keep a few easy, go-to meals on hand.
5. Track Progress (But Keep It Easy)
A visual reminder of your consistency can be incredibly motivating. Use a simple habit tracker, mark an ‘X’ on your calendar, or use an app to see how often you’re following through. Just be sure not to let missed days discourage you—focus on progress, not perfection.
6. Eliminate Unnecessary Decisions
Decision fatigue can derail your routine before it even starts. Reduce the number of choices you have to make by prepping ahead. Lay out workout clothes the night before, plan meals in advance, or set reminders for your daily check-in. The fewer decisions, the easier it is to follow through.
7. Stay Accountable
Accountability can be a powerful motivator. Whether it’s a friend, a coach, or even an online community, sharing your goals can help keep you on track. Even setting a simple reminder to check in with yourself weekly can make a difference.
8. Be Kind to Yourself & Keep Going
Missed a day? That’s okay. The secret to long-term success isn’t never failing—it’s getting back on track quickly. Instead of feeling guilty, remind yourself that progress is about consistency over time. A small step forward is still a step in the right direction.
Final Thoughts
Sticking with routines, even in the busiest seasons of life, isn’t about willpower—it’s about making them realistic, flexible, and easy to maintain. When you design routines that fit into your life instead of forcing yourself into rigid structures, they become habits that truly stick.
What’s one small routine you can start today?
