There have been so many times when I’ve been hard on myself for “not sticking with something.” Whether it was a new church, method of organizing, eating plan, health routine…it didn’t matter, it was my fault that “I quit.” Did I ever once think that maybe it was the program that didn’t work for me, not that I didn’t work the program? NOPE. Instead, I would bad-girl myself.

The other day my friend said that she always writes ‘to-do’ lists, but she never writes ‘done’ lists. I loved hearing this because I had just taken the time to note all the things I’ve actually stuck with for years in my life. And why did I stick with them? Not because they were magical, I just wanted the change bad enough and they worked for me.

I’ve been around long enough to know that I can’t give up during the first month. But if I’ve given it time, worked through that rough beginning bit, and it’s still not jiving? That means I need to put effort into finding a new program or adjusting the program to better fit me.

If you’re interested in learning more about how our brains process habits and routines, give this podcast a listen, it’s super interesting. It also gives tips on how to set yourself up for success. HIDDEN BRAIN: A Creature of Habit