Why Your Habits Don’t Last (And 10 Ways to Make Them Stick)

Have you ever tried changing your lifestyle so badly it almost hurts, yet nothing seems to stick in the long term? Daily exercise, meditation, and healthier eating? I have. Many times. And most of the time, I fell off within a month.

Why Trying Harder Isn’t the Answer

As some of you may know, I come from the fitness industry, so that’s the angle I take on habits: healthy, active living. But how do we make habits sustainable? How do we create habits that don’t just “work” for a few weeks, but actually last? Why, no matter how hard we try, nothing seems to stick?

These questions are rarely asked in the health and fitness world. And the answers are even rarer.

So without further ado, why do some of your habits not last?

There are many reasons. Probably as many reasons as there are habits. But most situations share the same patterns.

1. Your habits are too big to survive real life

2. Your habits are too vague

3. You don’t have a clear “why”

4. You rely on motivation alone

5. You pick too many habits at once

6. You choose habits that don’t fit your lifestyle

7. You don’t have proper guidance and support

8. You focus on intensity instead of habit consistency

9. You don’t want to change your environment

10. You expect instant results and perfection

I will expand on each of these, but before I do, a quick personal story.

The Uncomfortable Truth About the Fitness Industry

A couple of days ago, I received a phone call from an old Pilates client of mine. She wants to train again, but she doesn’t want any habit or lifestyle coaching. Just the workouts. She believes that she can do all that by herself. Some of her friends even told her they “don’t believe in that.”

And that’s fine. Different people want different things.

But this is exactly why I stopped offering fitness training only.

One hour of exercise, without changing daily habits, is often a waste of time and money, on both ends. Not being able to change your daily habits and, in turn, your lifestyle will not lead to significant long-term changes.

After 15 years in this industry, I can tell you: only a small percentage of people truly achieve long-term results. Most drop out after about three months. They start motivated, but their habits are forced. Their lifestyle stays the same. And eventually, they burn out.

No one likes to admit this. Most trainers only talk about success stories because it sells. But the reality is very different.

Most habit advice focuses on discipline or “willpower,” but that’s why so many habits don’t last. Sustainable habits are built on structure, environment, and small wins, not just cheesy motivational quotes.

Now Let’s Break the "Why Your Habits Don't Last" List Down

1. Your Habits Are Too Big to Survive Real Life

You plan to meditate 30 minutes every morning – sounds great. But is it realistic? In most cases - not. Instead, try: “I’ll meditate 2 minutes after brushing my teeth.”

Starting small reduces friction and helps your mind celebrate tiny wins.

2. Your Habits Are Too Vague

“In 2026, I will be more active” can mean anything. If you are very sedentary, it may mean you will just start walking every day. If you are an active person, you may want to up your game at the gym or run a marathon.

Be specific. What does “active” mean to you? How will you know you succeeded?

Clarity creates habit consistency.

3. You Don’t Have a Clear “Why”

Let’s go with the same example. You want to be more active. Why?

Most people I work with, when I ask them this question, go quiet. It takes them a while to come up with real reasons.

Why do you want this habit? Not “to be healthier.” Not “to look better.” But the real reason.

Maybe you want to play with your grandchildren. Maybe you want to feel confident dating again.

You have to have a true meaning and a deep, genuine reason for your new habits. Otherwise, once the initial excitement fades, your habits will fade away too.

4. You rely on motivation alone

Speaking of fading motivation… Setting new goals and habits may be exciting and motivating at first. But what happens after a few weeks or months? Motivation fades. Because it’s temporary. Making your habits too big, vague, or not understanding your why makes it even harder to keep going. Especially when you don’t see any results.

Systems, small actions, and patience build sustainable habits, not motivation.

5. You pick too many habits at once

Do you know this expression, “Jack of all trades, master of none”? It’s kind of like this with habits. If you try to implement and master all of them at once, you will burn out, get frustrated and change… nothing.

So pick one. Yes, just one. Then put all your efforts into changing or creating it.

Some habits are easier than others, so take as much time as you need. Drinking water in the morning is not the same effort as running five times a week. Respect the difference. Once you master the first habit, move on to the next one.

6. You choose habits that don’t fit your lifestyle or identity

If you work late nights or love going out to have a few drinks, a 6 am run will not work.

Stop trying to fit habits into a lifestyle that doesn't support them. Find habits that fit your reality, not your fantasy. (But don’t use this as an excuse to skip most of them and stay stuck in the same lifestyle.)

7. You don’t have proper guidance and support

If you are anything like me, you will think that you can do it all by yourself. Or at least you will try.

I know, some people simply cannot afford mentorship or coaching. (This is also why I am trying to create a lot of free content on my site.) But many people simply choose not to.

To some people, habit and lifestyle coaching may seem unnecessary or phoney. But if you would need to spend on, let’s say, only 3 months coaching that gives you tools, lessons and understanding of systems to change your habits and lifestyle for the rest of your life, wouldn’t you rather invest in that than a new designer bag that changes nothing in your life?

The right support saves years of trial and error.

8. You focus on intensity instead of habit consistency

Big sudden changes feel productive. But focusing on the initial changes won’t take you far. What really matters is the consistency.

Replace “I want to exercise one hour daily” with something more specific and doable, that you can actually repeat every day, like: “I’ll do 5 push-ups after morning coffee.”

9. You don’t want to change your environment

Trying to eat better while your pantry is stuffed with chocolates and chips will not work. If you keep junk food at home, sooner or later, you will eat it. As simple as that.

Your environment shapes your habits more than your willpower ever will.

I have one rule: I don’t keep anything unhealthy at home. When I feel “snackish”, eating any junk food will require the effort of going to the shop, and will give me the time to reconsider my choices.

So create a supportive environment. That includes the people you spend time with. If you want to eat better, stop meeting them in fast-food joints. Instead, pick a nice salad place or a coffee shop with healthier options. If they truly care about you, they will understand and support you.

10. You expect instant results and perfection

One final piece of advice, as annoying as it may sound – take your time. Make your new habits small, realistic and adaptable. Make them bend with your life, not break. Habits are not a 30-day challenge. They are a lifelong practice. That is what makes your habits sustainable. Track consistency, not perfection.

How Can You Start Today?

Pick one small habit you can change today. Make it ridiculously easy. Make it meaningful.

And remember: failing sometimes is normal.

Years ago, I hired a personal trainer. (I was busy with my own clients, but I also wanted to experience what people feel during the coaching process. That was one of the best investments of my life.)

He was great, but quite strict. He made me eat so little and work out so much. I was hungry, frustrated, and constantly pushing my body into something it wasn’t ready for. At that time, I did not even consider that he was wrong. I thought everything with me was wrong, because I kept failing... My new routine would just not work, and I felt more and more overwhelmed each day.

I thought falling off meant I failed. Now I know better.

I was not trying to develop healthy habits to get me in a better shape; I was shocking my system into someone I never was.

Falling off is part of the process. And progress, even small, beats perfection, every time.

So, What Habit Will You Start With?

I, personally, am working on being more consistent with my running. Although it doesn’t happen every week, I know that I am on the right path.

It takes time to develop new habits, change our lifestyles and become better versions of ourselves.

Let me know in the comments what you plan to change today! Or send an email to share your journey. I’m genuinely curious. Let’s see what habit sticks this time! 💪🏼

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