💫 How to Build Habits That Actually Stick
- Alesia Peres
- Aug 7, 2025
- 3 min read
The Secret Sauce to Long-Term Wellness
We’ve all been there — super motivated on Monday, totally off track by Friday. So how do

some people manage to actually stick with healthy habits long-term, while others keep starting over again and again?
The answer isn’t more willpower. It’s strategy. And today, I’m sharing the secret sauce to building habits that last — not for a week, but for life.
Whether you're trying to move more, eat better, meditate daily, or finally start that morning routine, this post is for you.
🔁 1. Start Small – Seriously Small
If your goal is to meditate for 20 minutes a day, start with 2 minutes. Want to walk daily? Start with just putting your shoes on.
Why? Because small wins create momentum. They build confidence and consistency. As James Clear explains in 📚Atomic Habits (click to open the link)
“A habit must be established before it can be improved.”
Let that sink in.
🔗 2. Use Habit Stacking
One of the easiest and most effective techniques for habit building is habit stacking. You take a habit you already do — like brushing your teeth — and “stack” a new one on top.
For example:
After I brush my teeth, I’ll say my affirmation out loud.
After I make my morning tea, I’ll stretch for 2 minutes.
This makes your new habit easier to remember and do because it’s tied to an existing behavior.
🌞 3. Create Morning and Night Rituals
Bookending your day with intentional routines is a game-changer for consistency.
Morning habits could include:
Drinking a glass of water
Stretching or walking
Journaling or meditation
Night habits might include:
Turning off screens 30 mins before bed
Doing a skincare routine
Reflecting on 3 wins of the day
Routines give your brain cues — “it’s time to wind down” or “it’s time to focus.”
💭 4. Rewire Your Mindset
Habits don’t just live in your calendar — they live in your identity.
Instead of saying “I’m trying to eat healthy,” say:
“I’m the kind of person who prioritizes wellness.”
Identity-based habits are much more likely to stick because they align with how you see yourself. Learn more about this mindset shift here
🧠 5. Expect Setbacks — and Plan for Them
No one is perfect. Missing a workout, skipping a journal day — that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. What matters is getting back on track.
Make a "reset plan" for days when life happens. This builds resilience, not just habits.
📱 6. Use Tools & Track Progress
Use tools like:
Habit tracker apps (like Habitica or Streaks)
Printable habit tracker sheets
Journals
Sticky notes and visual reminders
Tracking helps you stay accountable and see your progress. That builds dopamine and motivation.
💡 Final Thought: Small Actions, Big Identity Shift
Building habits that stick isn’t about doing big things once in a while. It’s about doing small things consistently. That’s how you shift from “trying” to becoming the version of you who lives a healthy, intentional lifestyle.
If you’re ready to take your habits to the next level, check out my guidebooks where I walk you through building sustainable routines, setting goals, and making wellness simple and fun!
✨ You’ve got this. And I believe in the power of you.✨️
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