You wanted to feel grounded—but the routine didn’t stick. Again.
You set up your planner. You picked your morning routine. And for a few days, maybe even a few weeks, it felt good. But then life happened—and now you’re back in that uncomfortable in-between: craving structure but resisting it at the same time.
I’ve been there. Back in 2020, I ran my first half marathon. I was a graduate student at the time, and running gave me a sense of accomplishment that helped me stay on track with school and everything else I was managing.
Fast forward to 2024, I was now a tenure-track professor with kids who were now in elementary school. My husband, who is an avid runner, even made a training schedule for me. So, I set out to run another half marathon.
BUT I kept flaking whenever it was time to train.
I was so frustrated with myself! I kept thinking that consistency and training should be easier because I’ve done this before!
But the truth is, I was past the season of life where running was the exercise that worked best for me. I didn’t have the time and space to train for a marathon while managing three kids and a full-time job.
So, I decided to switch to weight lifting, which took considerably less time, and it was much easier for me to be consistent with it.
Here’s what I’ve learned about trying to stick to habits and why we often fall off even when we have the best intentions:
➡️ Why You Keep Falling Off Track
- You’re trying to force someone else’s rhythm.
Not all routines are created for your energy, season, or life. Just like I did with my half marathon training the second time around, I couldn’t stick to it because it was my rhythm 5 years ago and did not fit my current station in life. - You’re using routine as a tool for control—not care.
When structure is rooted in fear or performance, it becomes unsustainable. I felt like I HAD to run another half marathon because I‘d committed to it and because my husband made my training scheudle—not for my overall wellness. - You’re bypassing the emotional layer.
Routines require safety. And if your nervous system is in fight-or-flight, structure can feel suffocating. What emotions may be driving your inability to follow through?
✅ What To Do Instead
- Redefine routines as rituals of care, not productivity or obligation.
- Design minimum viable rituals you can return to without guilt (e.g., I am going to at least lift weights for 10 minutes 3 days/week to build momentum).
- Start with seasonal alignment, not unrealistic consistency (e.g., what can you do right now that fits with your lifestyle and current goals?)
🌿 Need help building rituals that stick?
Inside my Realignment Session, we map out what structure actually feels nourishing for your life. Not just what looks good on Pinterest. Book a Realignment Session now.
📌 Pin this post for the next time you want to restart without starting over.
