Why Habit Change Feels Like an Uphill Battle

Embarking on the journey to transform our habits is a familiar path for many high-achieving working moms, armed with knowledge and determination. However, despite our efforts, lasting changes in our habits so often feels like a slog and like we’re pushing a boulder uphill , leaving us frustrated and overwhelmed by life's demands, giving up, and vowing to try again in a few weeks or months when we are “less busy.”

Consider those moments when we promise ourselves an early bedtime to prioritize rest and rejuvenation, only to find ourselves engrossed in a good book or scrolling Instagram, vowing revenge on bedtime the next night. Or perhaps it's the meticulously planned meals that get derailed by unexpected work emergencies or family obligations, leaving us stress-eating fast food in our cars.

It’s critical to remind ourselves that we don’t have to go all or none when it comes to changing our habits. We don't always require monumental changes to yield significant results. Sometimes, it's the smallest tweaks, the subtle shifts in our daily routines, that make the biggest impact, particularly over time.

For the longest time, I wanted to increase my water intake and kept trying to remember to drink a full glass first thing in the morning. I would stick to it for a few days or a week, then forget or just be rushing too much and vowed to make it up later. But I wanted to make starting the day with hydration a habit. So, I started with just three sips—yes, three sips. And you know what? It worked. Those three sips gradually evolved into a habit of drinking some water every day right when I wake up (I put my glass of water on my nightstand as a visual reminder), and now it is as automatic to me as hitting snooze on my alarm. 😆

Habits don’t have to be just health and wellness-related or productivity hacks. We can also prioritize habits that increase the kindness we show toward ourselves, like decreasing negative self-talk, allowing ourselves the rest we need, and intuitively following our body’s wisdom as to what we need next. Habits are just things done repeatedly until they are done on autopilot with little conscious awareness - like the default. So why not get clear on the things we want to make habits to serve us better, and then create the tiniest possible version of that “ideal habit” and stack or grow over time?

Each morning, as I take that first sip of coffee, I have made it a habit (like a comforting ritual) to quickly jot down one thing that's kind to myself. It could be as simple as "you showed up again" or "you are worthy of endless love, rest, and joy."

So, what's the secret sauce to bridging the gap between us knowing what to do and actually doing it when it comes to our daily habits?

Let's dive into some key strategies:

- Embrace Imperfection: Allow yourself the grace to stumble; it's all part of the journey towards self-improvement.

- Cultivate Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a dear friend facing similar challenges.

- Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Celebrate even the tiniest victories along the way; every step forward is a step closer to your goals.

- Harness the Power of Tiny Habits: Start SUPER small (ex: floss one tooth, put tennis shoes on daily), with manageable actions that you can easily integrate into your daily routine, and let momentum carry you forward.

- Optimize Your Environment: Set yourself up for success by shaping your surroundings to support your desired habits and minimize distractions.

- Get Clear on Your Deeper Why: Connect with your deeper motivations and values, as they will serve as the fuel to sustain your journey through the inevitable ups and downs.

- Seek Support: Surround yourself with a supportive community of like-minded individuals who can provide encouragement, accountability, and valuable insights. Join my private Facebook community for consistent support in your personal growth.

- Practice Mindfulness: Cultivate awareness and presence in the moment, without judgment or attachment to outcomes, as you navigate the challenges of habit change.

- Set Realistic Expectations: Recognize that meaningful change takes time and effort, and be patient with yourself as you progress towards your goals.

- Celebrate Your Progress: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate how far you've come, no matter how small the steps may seem.

Understanding the emotional dimensions of habit change is essential for fostering resilience, self-compassion, and sustainable progress.

Our habits are deeply intertwined with our identity and sense of self, and challenging them can evoke feelings of vulnerability, fear, and uncertainty.

By recognizing and addressing these underlying emotional factors, we can cultivate a greater sense of empowerment and well-being on our journey towards lasting change.

Ready to take the next step in your habit change journey? Join a supportive community of like-minded individuals committed to personal and professional growth.

Seek guidance from mentors or coaches who can offer personalized support and accountability.

And above all, be gentle with yourself as you navigate the complexities of habit change, knowing that every small step forward is a victory worth celebrating.

Together, let's embrace small changes and tweaks in habits, accumulating and building on one another, to help you BECOME the next level version of your self.

If you’ve been struggling to make progress with a particular habit you want to start, change or ditch, I’d love to help troubleshoot it with you to get you unstuck - get on my calendar for a free 15 minute call! https://calendly.com/sarahannewittry/connectioncall

Listen in to a deeper dive on habit change on my podcast VIBRANT HUMANS this week: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5U9uc0eNZ1nsWjCbSwri01?si=I263vbRkSrC_YydkY_hdSQ

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Listen in to a deeper dive on habit change on my podcast VIBRANT HUMANS this week: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5U9uc0eNZ1nsWjCbSwri01?si=I263vbRkSrC_YydkY_hdSQ