The Power of Routine & Why It’s Hard to Stick to It

The Struggle with Consistency

We’ve all been there—making a commitment to a routine, only to find ourselves falling off the wagon after a week or two. For me, this is particularly true when it comes to maintaining an exercise routine. Every time I start out, I’m fueled with motivation, setting my alarm with the best intentions. But somehow, a few days in, excuses creep in, life gets hectic, and before I know it, the momentum I worked so hard to build slips away. Sound familiar?

Routine isn’t just about following a checklist; it’s about showing up for ourselves. We may want to build habits that support our physical and mental well-being, but it’s easy to get caught up in the daily hustle and put our goals on the back burner. Here, I’m going to dive into why routines are so important, why it’s so hard to stick with them, and share some hard-learned tips that have helped me (and could help you) stay consistent, even on the tough days.

The Importance of Building a Strong Routine

Routines can sometimes get a bad rap, often associated with a rigid schedule that’s bound to become boring or uninspiring. But the truth is, routines are powerful. They create a structure that helps us stay grounded, allowing us to make progress toward our goals in small, manageable steps. A consistent routine can be the foundation for growth, success, and stability—whether that means sticking to an exercise plan, learning a new skill, or simply showing up for ourselves every day.

In fact, studies have shown that having a routine not only helps with productivity but also improves mental well-being. Routines offer a sense of control and predictability, which can reduce stress and anxiety. For me, exercise is my “grounding” activity—when I’m consistent with it, I notice positive changes not just physically, but mentally. I feel more alert, less anxious, and better equipped to take on challenges. This all sounds great, but sticking to a routine? That’s where it gets tricky.

Why Sticking to a Routine is So Hard

1. The All-or-Nothing Trap

One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced in staying consistent is falling into the “all-or-nothing” mindset. When we set ambitious goals, it’s tempting to go all-in at first, only to burn out quickly. I’ve learned the hard way that trying to go from zero to a full-blown, seven-day-a-week exercise routine is overwhelming. One missed workout would throw me off, making me feel like I’d failed altogether. This perfectionist mindset made it harder to get back on track.

2. Life’s Inevitable Distractions

Let’s face it—life doesn’t follow our plans. Work deadlines, family obligations, or even unexpected events can throw off our routines. Sometimes, after a long day at work, my motivation to exercise is at an all-time low. It’s easy to say, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” but before long, tomorrow becomes next week, and my “routine” is no longer a routine at all.

3. Internal Resistance and Motivation Fatigue

Motivation is great to get started, but it’s unreliable as a long-term strategy. Motivation ebbs and flows, and relying on it alone can lead to inconsistency. I’ve found that establishing a routine based on discipline, rather than motivation alone, is essential. When I feel unmotivated, it helps to remind myself of the “why” behind my goals, even when I’d rather be binge-watching a new show or sleeping in.

Tips for Sticking to Your Routine

I’ve experimented with several techniques to create a realistic, enjoyable, and sustainable routine. These strategies have helped me stay consistent, even when my motivation wavers, and I hope they can do the same for you.

1. Start Small and Build Momentum

The key to lasting consistency is starting small. Instead of setting a big, daunting goal, focus on small, manageable actions. For instance, rather than committing to a daily hour-long workout, start with 15 minutes a few times a week. As these small wins build up, they create a sense of momentum, making it easier to add more over time.

Action Step: Set one small goal to start—maybe 10 minutes of stretching each morning or a short walk after work. Once that becomes routine, gradually increase the duration or frequency.

2. Create Accountability

Having someone who knows your goals and can check in with you makes a big difference. For me, this means sharing my exercise goals with a friend who’s also working on her fitness routine. We check in with each other, share our progress, and celebrate wins together. Knowing that someone else is rooting for me makes me much more likely to stick to my routine.

Action Step: Find a friend, partner, or even an online community with similar goals. Share your routine and plan regular check-ins.

3. Make it Fun and Engaging

One of the reasons routines can feel boring is that they’re too repetitive. To stay motivated, switch things up! Try different workouts, listen to an engaging podcast during your routine, or set a reward for completing each session. I’ve found that listening to upbeat music makes my workouts feel like a fun break from my day rather than a chore.

Action Step: Create a playlist or choose a show you only allow yourself to watch during your routine. This adds a sense of excitement and makes the routine something you look forward to.

4. Plan for Setbacks (and Don’t Beat Yourself Up)

It’s inevitable—some days you’ll miss your routine, and that’s okay. Accept that setbacks happen and that one missed day doesn’t erase your progress. Learning to forgive yourself for these slips has been crucial for me. Rather than giving up when I miss a workout, I acknowledge it, remind myself why I started, and jump back in the next day.

Action Step: Write down a reminder or affirmation for when you miss a day. For example, “One day off doesn’t undo all my hard work.” Keep it somewhere visible as a gentle nudge to keep going.

5. Focus on the “Why” Behind Your Routine

When you’re struggling to find motivation, reconnecting with your “why” can make all the difference. For me, my “why” is staying physically healthy, managing stress, and feeling confident in my body. Revisiting these reasons reminds me of the long-term value of my routine.

Action Step: Write down three reasons why you want to maintain this routine. Keep them somewhere you can see them every day, like on your phone or as a sticky note on your mirror.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Progress Over Perfection

Building and maintaining a routine is challenging, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to reach your goals and create a fulfilling life. Remember, the goal isn’t to be perfect; it’s to be consistent. Every small effort, every bit of progress counts. Whether it’s showing up for a five-minute workout or sticking to one part of your routine, each step is a step toward your bigger goal.

If you struggle with consistency, know that you’re not alone. We’re all working through the same challenges, trying to show up for ourselves in meaningful ways. Let’s embrace the journey, forgive the setbacks, and celebrate every victory, no matter how small. After all, the power of routine isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about building habits that bring us closer to the person we want to become.

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