In the last blog, we discussed why ditching resolutions in favor of intentions is a smarter approach for the new year. Intentions focus on how you want to feel and grow, rather than ticking off a checklist of goals. Now that we’ve released the pressure of resolutions, it’s time to dive into building habits that align with those intentions and create lasting change in your life.

Lately, we’ve been talking a lot about habits in our home—good habits and bad habits. While some bad habits might have good outcomes, it’s still important to break them and replace them with healthier ones. So, here’s what I’ve learned about creating habits that stick.

1. Start Small: Focus on One Habit at a Time

Big resolutions can be overwhelming, and when we try to tackle too much at once, we risk burning out. The key to building lasting habits is to start small. Choose one habit that aligns with your intention for the year and focus on it.

A couple of years ago, I decided to focus on creating habits that would give me more time with my family. I started with meal planning, and that one habit led to many others. I focused on habits that were healthy and benefited both my family and myself. You can learn more about my meal planning guide here.

For example, if your intention is to feel more organized, start small—maybe by making your bed every morning or tidying up one room at the end of the day. These small actions may seem minor, but over time, they’ll make a huge difference. When you make your bed, your bedroom feels more organized and when you tidy up your living room, it doesn’t overwhelm you.

2. Make Your Habits Part of Your Routine

For a habit to stick, it needs to be part of your routine. Routines create structure and when habits become part of your day, they don’t feel as difficult.

Think about your current routines—morning, evening or even lunchtime. Identify a part of your day where you can introduce your new habit. If you don’t already have a morning or evening routine, start by adding a small habit to help you establish one. For example, spend 10 minutes each night closing down your kitchen or get up 15 minutes earlier for quiet time with God.

3. Start with Small Wins and Build Momentum

The power of habits lies in consistency. By starting small and celebrating each win, you build momentum. Every time you stick to a habit—no matter how small—it reinforces the behavior and makes it easier to continue.

One of my most recent small wins is swapping chocolate for an apple in the evening. This simple habit has a lot of benefits. I don’t wake up hungry anymore and my morning workouts feel better. These small habits really do stack up and lead to bigger, more sustainable changes.

For example, if you want to keep your house maintained, start by cleaning your kitchen counter every day. Celebrate that small win, and let it motivate you to tackle the next change.

4. Be Patient and Flexible

Building a new habit requires patience and flexibility. Life happens and some days will be easier than others. You might miss a day or slip up. That’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s about progress.

When I started meal planning, it was a disaster. I wanted to quit, but instead, I kept trying to figure out a way to make it work for my family. Now, it’s part of our weekly routine, something the whole family participates in. The key to building habits is staying consistent over the long term, not being perfect every single day.

5. Track Your Progress

Tracking progress is a great way to stay motivated and see how far you’ve come. You don’t need anything fancy—a simple journal or habit tracker will do. Write down each day you complete your habit, or use an app to track your progress.

I’ve been tracking my workouts and weights for strength training, and in just three weeks, I’ve seen progress. I also pay more attention to what I eat because I’m mindful of my workouts. Seeing my progress visually helps reinforce my commitment and motivates me to keep going.

6. Create Accountability

Having someone to hold you accountable makes a huge difference in sticking to your new habits. Whether it’s a friend, spouse, or a community online, accountability helps you stay on track. I have a few people who help me stay accountable—Jimmy, the kids and a couple of friends. They each hold me accountable in different ways.

Consider sharing your intentions with someone close to you or even joining a group (like my mom group or business community). Accountability provides extra support and motivation when things get tough. That’s why I’m creating a Facebook group for moms to connect and support each other. Send me a message on Instagram if you’d like to join!

7. Make Your Habits Enjoyable and Fun

Building habits doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be enjoyable! The more enjoyable a habit is, the more likely you are to stick with it. Look for ways to make the process fun or rewarding.

For example, if you want to keep your house clean, turn on music or listen to a podcast while you clean. Make it a fun activity for you. If you want to exercise more, choose an activity you enjoy, like walking or yoga. I love listening to music while cleaning or when I’m working toward a deadline—it keeps me motivated.

Create Sustainable Change Through Simple Habits

You can create lasting, meaningful change through simple habits. I let go of perfection and resolutions and shifted my focus to intentions, which has allowed me to make room for real, lasting change. Remember, building habits isn’t about overnight transformation—it’s about making small, consistent changes that align with how you want to feel and grow.

Start small, build momentum, and remember that the key to lasting change is in those everyday actions. Be kind to yourself, celebrate the wins, and trust the process. More importantly, trust God’s plan for you.

If you’re looking for more help to create lasting habits, grab The Simplified Home Guide, my blueprint for all the habits and routines we have for our home.

Love,

Billie-Jo

The Simplified Mom