Life has this funny way of throwing our routines out the window. Maybe it’s the chaos of the holidays, when cookies replace protein shakes and “just one more episode” turns into three weeks of skipped workouts. Or maybe it’s January 1, when you’re supposed to “start fresh” but you’re still recovering from December’s madness. Sound familiar?
Here’s the truth: There’s no magic date on the calendar that makes it easier to reset. Whether it’s the holiday season, a busy work stretch, or just life doing its thing, the excuses are endless. But so are the opportunities to get back on track.
If you’ve been in a spiral of “I’ll get back to it soon,” consider this your sign. Resetting doesn’t need to be complicated or dramatic—it just needs to start. Here’s how:
1. Drop the “All or Nothing” Mindset
We’re all guilty of it: You miss one workout, eat one meal that’s “off plan,” and suddenly the whole week feels like a loss. So you tell yourself, I’ll start fresh on Monday… or January 1… or when Mercury isn’t in retrograde. Stop waiting for the perfect moment.
The “all or nothing” mindset just holds you back. Instead:
• If you miss the gym today, go tomorrow. No drama required.
• If lunch was fast food, have a solid dinner. That’s it.
Small resets compound over time. You don’t need perfection—just consistency.
2. Prioritize One Habit (Not Ten)
When life gets chaotic, trying to overhaul your whole routine at once will leave you right back where you started—overwhelmed and discouraged. Instead, focus on one thing.
• Movement: Commit to 20-30 minutes of activity, even if it’s a walk or home workout. Consistency is key.
• Nutrition: Add one healthy meal to your day. That’s it. Just one.
• Sleep: Get to bed 30 minutes earlier. This one change makes everything else easier.
Pick one habit that feels manageable. Once it sticks, build on it.
3. Use the Holidays to Start, Not Pause
The holidays get blamed for a lot of things: weight gain, skipped workouts, and a wrecked routine. But the truth? It’s not the holidays—it’s the mindset you bring to them. Instead of “waiting until January” to get back on track, start now.
• Plan short workouts you can squeeze in around family time. 30 minutes is enough.
• Focus on enjoying holiday food without treating it like an all-you-can-eat challenge.
• Build movement into your plans: Post-dinner walks, ice skating, or chasing kids around still count.
By showing up during chaotic seasons, you prove to yourself that you can stick with it no matter what. And that confidence carries into January.
4. Reframe January 1 (It’s Not a Cure-All)
Here’s a secret: The first day of January is just another Monday with more pressure attached to it. There’s nothing wrong with using it as a reset point, but don’t treat it like it’s your only shot.
If you build even some momentum in December—showing up when it’s messy—you won’t feel like you’re starting from zero when January hits. And you’ll avoid the burnout that comes from trying to “do it all” at once on day one.
5. Start Small and Make it Fun
If you’ve been out of your routine for a while, don’t jump back into the deep end. Start with something simple—and maybe even enjoyable:
• Try a new class with a friend. Bonus points if it makes you laugh.
• Test a fresh recipe that feels like “real food” but aligns with your goals.
• Set a movement challenge: 10 squats, 10 push-ups, and a plank every day for a week.
Building (or rebuilding) habits doesn’t need to feel like punishment. When you enjoy the process—even a little—you’re more likely to stick with it.
The holidays, January 1, or “next Monday” aren’t magic days that will fix your routine. The reset happens when you decide to make it happen, no matter what’s going on around you.
So take a breath. Pick one small step. And start—today, tomorrow, or the next meal.
You’ll be surprised how quickly “chaos” starts to feel manageable when you stop overcomplicating it.
Now go take that first step. I promise it’s worth it.