We’re almost done with the first quarter of 2025, and let’s face it—those New Year’s resolutions? They’ve already started to slip. We’ve been there: the excitement of a fresh start, the new journal, the vision board, all those lofty goals that seem so achievable on January 1st. But now? Not so much. I get it.
We’ve all been sold this idea of a complete overhaul when the clock strikes midnight, and that’s exactly why so many of us fail to keep up with those promises. This year, though, I’m done with resolutions. They feel temporary, pressure-filled, and stressful. Instead, I’m focusing on something I know will last: sustainable routines.
This isn’t about perfecting yourself in one big swoop. It's about creating small, meaningful habits that can evolve with you, making health and self-care a part of your life, not a seasonal trend. And let me tell you, this shift in mindset has been one of the most freeing things I’ve ever done for myself. So, if you’re tired of falling into the "new year, new me" trap, keep reading. Here’s the hot girl guide to creating sustainable healthy routines that will keep you glowing all year long.
The Problem with Resolutions
We all love the idea of a fresh start at the beginning of a new year. The blank page, the opportunity to be the best version of ourselves. The only problem? Resolutions are often based on fleeting motivation. We set these massive goals—like hitting the gym every single day or cutting out sugar entirely—and within a couple of weeks, we’re exhausted, discouraged, and back to square one.
And let’s be honest: Resolutions can feel like a race. You’re sprinting out of the gate, but by mid-February, you’re out of breath, and it feels like you’ve failed. This cycle isn’t just disheartening; it’s mentally draining. So, instead of setting ourselves up for this inevitable disappointment, let’s try something different this year—let’s focus on building sustainable routines that are here to stay. This way, we’re not focused on dramatic, overnight transformations but on gradual, long-term growth.
Why Sustainability Over Resolution Is Key
Sustainable routines are the secret to making lasting changes in our lives. Unlike the pressure-filled promises of New Year’s resolutions, sustainable habits are all about consistency, flexibility, and a focus on long-term benefits rather than quick fixes. Think of them like little seeds that you plant in your life and nurture over time—small enough to not feel overwhelming but powerful enough to create lasting change.
Sustainability allows room for setbacks, adjustments, and even failures along the way without causing you to throw in the towel. It’s about crafting routines that make you feel good, that work with your lifestyle, and that support your long-term well-being. You’re not bound by the unrealistic standards of “perfect,” you’re simply committing to showing up for yourself every day in small but meaningful ways.
One - Start Small: Focus on Micro-Habits
One of the most important aspects of building sustainable routines is starting small. It’s so tempting to dive headfirst into big changes, like cutting out all processed foods or exercising for an hour every day, but we all know how that goes. Life gets busy, motivation wanes, and suddenly the goal feels unreachable.
Instead, think about breaking down those big goals into smaller, bite-sized actions. This is where micro-habits come in. Rather than saying “I’m going to work out for 60 minutes every day,” try “I’ll do a 10-minute workout three times a week.” These small actions are easier to integrate into your daily life, and they give you a sense of accomplishment without the pressure of perfection. Over time, those 10-minute workouts can become 30 minutes, and you’ll have built a sustainable exercise routine that fits your life without overwhelming it.
It’s the same with nutrition—try not to focus on restrictive diets or drastic changes. Start by incorporating a healthy habit, like drinking more water, adding an extra serving of vegetables to one meal each day, or swapping out your afternoon snack for something more nutrient-dense. These are small but powerful shifts that build over time and can lead to significant results.
Two - Consistency is Everything: Focus on Showing Up, Not Perfection
Here’s the thing about creating healthy routines: consistency is what matters most. Perfection doesn’t exist, and if we expect ourselves to get everything right all the time, we’re setting ourselves up for failure. Life happens—sometimes we miss a workout, eat a slice of cake when we weren’t planning to, or forget to meditate for a few days. And you know what? That’s okay.
What matters is showing up and getting back on track, even after you fall off. For example, I’ve had days where I don’t feel like working out, and I end up skipping the gym. In the past, I would’ve let that one miss turn into a week of missed workouts. Now, I give myself the space to feel tired or off but commit to doing something the next day—whether it’s a light walk, stretching, or an at-home workout. It’s all about momentum, not perfection. The more consistent you are with these small actions, the more ingrained they become in your life.
The same principle applies to self-care routines like journaling, skincare, or sleep. We all have those days when our routine goes out the window. Instead of letting those moments derail your progress, simply get back to it the next day. It’s not about doing everything “perfectly”—it’s about committing to the process and showing up for yourself, no matter what.
Three - Quarterly Focus: Set Realistic, Time-Bound Goals
Let’s be real: A year feels like a long time, and it’s easy to get lost in the pressure of achieving massive goals. That’s why I recommend focusing on quarterly goals instead of yearly resolutions. This timeframe gives you enough space to make progress but is short enough to stay focused and motivated. Plus, it allows you to regularly reassess, adjust, and celebrate your wins along the way.
For example, in the first quarter, your goal could be to prioritize sleep by establishing a bedtime routine, setting a consistent sleep schedule, and tracking your progress. In the second quarter, focus on building a consistent workout routine or dedicating time each week to meal prepping. You can also break larger goals down into smaller, more manageable steps throughout the year. This approach helps you stay on track without feeling like you need to change everything all at once.
Four - Create a Support System: Hold Yourself Accountable
Creating sustainable routines isn’t just about willpower—it’s also about creating a supportive environment. Whether it’s through a workout buddy, a journal where you can track your progress, or a social media community that keeps you motivated, accountability is key. You don’t have to go it alone.
Personally, I’ve found that sharing my goals with a friend or even on social media keeps me motivated. There’s something about putting it out into the world that holds me accountable to follow through. Whether it’s taking progress pictures or sharing a wellness win on your feed, celebrating those little victories can make a huge difference in staying consistent.
But accountability doesn’t just mean having someone check in with you—it’s also about checking in with yourself. If you miss a day of journaling or forget your workout, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, remind yourself why you started this journey in the first place. Your long-term goals are worth the effort, and each step forward counts, no matter how small.
My Personal Experience: The Power of Slow Progress
For me, the biggest change this year was shifting my mindset from a “new year, new me” mentality to one of steady, sustainable progress. I realized that the pressure to achieve everything at once was what was holding me back. I was constantly trying to live up to some ideal, whether it was an intense workout schedule, a strict diet, or a perfectly curated morning routine. But none of that was sustainable in the long term, and as soon as I fell short, I felt discouraged and unmotivated.
Now, I focus on building small habits that I can maintain, even on my busiest days. For example, I’ve incorporated a 10-minute stretching routine into my mornings, which has made a noticeable difference in how I feel throughout the day. I also prioritize my mental health by setting aside time each evening for journaling and reflecting on my day—this practice has helped me feel grounded and in control, even when life feels chaotic. And while I still enjoy indulging in treats or skipping a workout, I don’t let it derail my entire routine. I just pick up where I left off.
The bottom line? Sustainable routines are the key to a healthier, happier lifestyle. Resolutions are great in theory, but they often lead to burnout and disappointment. By focusing on small, consistent actions, we create routines that fit our lives and can evolve with us. It’s not about perfection—it’s about showing up for yourself and building habits that support your long-term well-being.
So, let’s make 2025 the year we stop chasing fleeting resolutions and start building sustainable routines that help us glow from the inside out. Whether it’s a 10-minute workout, a better sleep routine, or even simply taking time to nurture your mental health, these small steps add up. Keep going, keep adjusting, and above all, keep celebrating every little win along the way. You’ve got this.
Love,
Rae
Image Credits - Nadin Sh
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