WRITTEN BY WOODSIDE PILATES STUDIO MANAGER, HEATHER DILLMAN
Ah, the New Year—a time when we all collectively decide to reinvent ourselves. It’s like we hit “refresh” and suddenly we’re all about kale smoothies, early morning workouts and meditation apps. But let’s be real, by February, many of us are back to our old habits, wondering where all that New Year’s motivation went.
As a Pilates instructor, I’m often asked, “What’s the secret to staying motivated and creating healthy habits?” People hope for a quick fix, a magic formula to transform their routines overnight. Here’s the thing: there is no magic bullet. Building healthy habits is less about drastic changes and more about small, consistent steps that align with your lifestyle and goals. It’s a journey, not a sprint—and the good news is, it’s entirely achievable with the right mindset and approach. In fact, it’s small, consistent changes that often lead to the biggest results. So, let’s break it down and make it easy. Here’s how to actually build habits that stick this year.
Start Small—Seriously, Smaller Than That
We’ve all been there: “This year, I’m going to work out every single day!” While the enthusiasm is admirable, it’s also a recipe for burnout. Instead, commit to something manageable.
- Want to exercise more? Start with 10 minutes a day.
- Want to drink more water? Add one extra glass to your daily routine.
- Want to reduce screen time? Shut down all screens within 30 minutes of bedtime.
Small wins build confidence, and confidence keeps you going.
Make It Ridiculously Easy
Want to know the secret to building habits? Remove obstacles. Make the healthy choice the easy choice:
- Lay out your workout clothes the night before.
- Keep a water bottle on your desk.
- Prep veggies and snacks ahead of time so they’re ready to grab when hunger strikes.
The less effort required, the more likely you are to stick with it.
Tie It to Something You Already Do
One of the easiest ways to build a new habit is to piggyback it onto an existing one. This is called habit stacking.
For example:
- Before brushing your teeth, practice deep breathing for one minute.
- After you pour your morning coffee, do 10 squats or stretches.
By attaching a new habit to something already ingrained in your routine, it feels less like a chore and more like an extension of your day.
Focus on Consistency Over Perfection
You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to keep showing up. Missed a day? No big deal. Jump back in tomorrow. The goal is progress, not perfection.
Pro tip: Track your progress. Whether it’s a journal, an app, or just a calendar with checkmarks, seeing your streak grow is super motivating.
Celebrate the Small Wins
Did you drink all your water today? Nailed that 10-minute workout? Did you take that Pilates class you’ve been meaning to try? Reward yourself in a way that feels good—watch your favorite show, take a relaxing bath or treat yourself to something small like a smoothie.
Celebrating keeps the process fun and reminds you that you’re doing something awesome for yourself.
Be Kind to Yourself
Change is hard, and setbacks are normal. If you have a bad day (or week), don’t beat yourself up. Instead, remind yourself why you started and keep moving forward. Building healthier habits is about progress, not perfection.
Surround Yourself with Support
Find a buddy, sign up for a Pilates Reformer Session, schedule a One-on-One with a Pilates Instructor (to hold you accountable) or just tell a friend about your goals. Being part of a community like Woodside and having people cheer you on can make all the difference in sticking to healthy habits. Also, in sharing your journey you might inspire someone else!
Final Thoughts
The New Year is the perfect time to reset and focus on the habits that make you feel good. But remember, it’s not about being perfect or doing everything at once. It’s about making small, consistent changes that add up over time.
So, here’s to a year of healthier, happier habits one step at a time. You’ve got this!
Our team of Pilates Instructors can help you create a plan for creating healthier habits this year. To learn more click here or email us.
