Habits are tricky. We all have things we want to do more of—exercise, read, eat better—but somehow, they slip through the cracks. I’ve started and stopped more routines than I can count. But over time, I’ve learned that building habits isn’t about willpower. It’s about design.
One thing that changed everything for me was the idea of habit stacking. I’d pair a new habit with something I already did. After brushing my teeth, I’d stretch for five minutes. After making coffee, I’d write in my journal. It felt natural, not forced.
I also stopped trying to overhaul my life overnight. Instead of saying “I’ll work out every day,” I’d say “I’ll move for ten minutes.” That small shift made it doable. And once it became part of my routine, I could build on it.
Tracking helped too. I’d mark an X on the calendar every day I did the habit. Seeing those marks line up was weirdly satisfying. It kept me going.
But the biggest lesson? Be kind to yourself. You’ll miss days. You’ll forget. That’s okay. Habits aren’t about being perfect—they’re about showing up, again and again. And when you do, even in small ways, change happens.