Why We Fail To Stick To Healthy Habits?

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve started by joining a Gym habit with tons of excitement, overflowing with excitement—ready to crush every goal, decked out in new workout gear, and convinced this time would be different. The first few days? I’m unstoppable. I show up, sweat it out, and feel like a fitness pro in the making. But then, somewhere between the sore muscles and the snooze buttons, my enthusiasm quietly sneaks out the back door. A few weeks in, the once-exciting routine starts to feel like a chore, and before I know it, I’m ghosting the gym altogether. It’s a cycle I know too well, but somehow, every time I start, I’m sure this time will be the one where I finally stick with it.

After reflecting on why I struggle, here are four key reasons that I realised,?

1. Not Enjoying It If your healthy habits don’t excite you, staying motivated can feel like a chore. I used to dread going to the gym, but then I tried dance fitness, and now I actually look forward to my workouts. Find what excites you! Whether it’s Bollywood dance, yoga, or even a brisk walk in the park, doing something you enjoy makes all the difference. The same goes for mental health—if journaling feels like a task, try something more creative like doodling, or chat with a close friend. Enjoyment is the key to consistency!

2. Unrealistic Expectations

I’m definitely guilty of setting unrealistic expectations. You know the kind—"I’m going to gym every day for 2 hour," or "I’ll completely cut out all sugar and eat only vegetables. It sounds great in theory, right? But the reality is that these goals are often too much too soon, and they set me up for failure. It only left me feel overwhelm. I’ve learned to take things one step at a time replacing one sugary snack with something healthier.

3. Perfectionism

Sometimes, we think healthy habits need to be done in a specific way to work. This rigid approach can backfire. I used to feel like if I didn’t meditate exactly as planned, it wasn’t effective. Now, I’ve learned to be flexible—whether it’s changing my workout routine or adjusting my mindfulness practice, Healthy habits aren’t about sticking to a rigid routine every single day—they’re about consistently trying, adjusting when things don’t go as planned, and giving yourself grace to what works for you.??

4. Not Being Flexible

Life happens! Work stress, family obligations, or unexpected events can derail even the best-laid plans. I’ve had days where everything goes wrong, and the last thing on my mind is eating healthy or making time for exercise. This is where flexibility comes in. I’ve realised that I need to adapt. If I can’t make it to the gym, I will go for a run or dance for half an hour. If I don’t have time for a long meditation session, I’ll take a few mindful breaths while I’m waiting for a cab.??

5. Vague Goals: Clarity Is Everything

How many times have I set goals like "I want to be healthier" or "I should exercise more"? Honestly, these vague goals never get me anywhere. When I’ve been unclear about what I actually want to achieve, it’s been so easy to lose focus and fall off track. Over the years, I’ve learned that setting specific, measurable goals works best. So now, instead of just saying "I’ll eat better," I’ll set a clear goal like, "I will eat at least five servings of vegetables in a week." Or instead of saying "I’ll exercise more," I’ll commit to "running 30 minutes a day, five days a week." When I have clear goals, I can track my progress and celebrate the small wins along the way.

Consistency doesn’t mean you have to be perfect every single day—it’s not about never missing a workout or always eating clean. It’s about showing up, even in small ways, and staying committed to the bigger picture. Start small—maybe it’s just a 10-minute stretch today or a walk around the block. Stay flexible, because life happens, and being kind to yourself on the off days keeps you moving forward. And don’t underestimate the power of accountability—whether it’s a friend, a coach, or even just tracking your progress. Healthy habits aren’t a sprint; they’re a journey. Embrace the ups and downs, celebrate the little wins, and trust that every small step adds up to something amazing. Watch how, over time, those tiny changes lead to a life you’re proud of.

Would love to hear, What strategies keep you consistent with your habits?

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About The Author: Shivani Dhumal (Mental Wellness Facilitator, Innate Mind)