The Simple Truth About Creating Change

"I hate goals."

That’s what one of my family members blurted out a few weeks ago when we started talking about plans for the year ahead. And honestly? I get it. Every year, so many of us jump into the tradition of setting goals, only to watch them fall apart within weeks—or even days. But what if it didn’t have to be that way?

Here’s the thing: achieving goals isn’t easy. It can feel overwhelming and frustrating. But there’s one “superpower” that can make a massive difference—building routines. A solid daily routine is the key to creating momentum and sticking with your goals. The question is: how do you create routines that actually work? Let’s break it down.

1. Change Slowly

Big, sweeping changes might feel exciting at first, but they rarely stick. Trying to overhaul your daily routine overnight is like sprinting at the start of a marathon—you’ll burn out fast.

Take the classic New Year’s goal of losing weight. Imagine suddenly waking up at 4:30 AM every day, going to the gym (when you’ve barely exercised before), skipping breakfast, eating a bland salad for lunch, drinking a protein shake for a snack, and having plain chicken for dinner. Every. Single. Day. Sounds miserable, right? It’s no surprise that such drastic changes usually don’t last.

Instead of going all-in from day one, try easing into change. Building routines is about sustainability.

2. Take Small, Consistent Steps

The secret to lasting change? Start small and stay consistent. Think of it like the “magic penny” analogy—the one that doubles in value every day and eventually becomes a massive amount. Small efforts, repeated daily, add up in big ways over time.

If your goal is to lose weight, begin with manageable steps. Start tracking your food with an app to become more aware of what you’re eating. Commit to going to the gym three days a week instead of six. Gradually adjust your bedtime so it’s easier to wake up earlier. These little shifts might not feel life-changing right away, but they’ll set you up for long-term success.

3. Reflect and Measure Progress

You’ve probably heard of SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. They’re great in theory, but here’s the real trick: you need to reflect on your progress regularly.

Every day, we make countless choices—some that push us closer to our goals, and others that pull us further away. Taking time to reflect on these choices is a game-changer. Ask yourself: What’s working? What’s not? Are my routines helping me achieve my goals, or do I need to tweak something?

Reflection is the bridge between intention and action. It keeps you on track and motivated to keep moving forward.

Build Routines That Stick

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to hate goals. You just need the right strategy to make them work. Start slow, take small steps, and make reflection part of your process. By doing this, you’ll create routines that feel natural, sustainable, and effective.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to try something different, this is it. Pick a goal, map out a few small, doable steps, and start today. Success doesn’t come from massive leaps—it comes from the little things we do every single day.

So go ahead—start building routines, create that daily routine, and watch yourself start achieving goals. Your future self will thank you.