How To Build New Habits Without Giving Up What You Love

Hello my loves,

Happy New Year! May all your desires come true this year.

Today, I want to take a moment to talk about creating new habits without giving up what you love.

Starting new habits can feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like you have to give up everything you enjoy. But change doesn’t have to be that way—it’s about balance and exploration.

Let’s dive into how you can build new habits while keeping joy and variety in your life.

1. Start Small:
Big goals are inspiring, but they’re built on small, consistent actions. Whether you want to eat healthier, practice mindfulness, or move more, focus on micro-habits: add a vegetable to your meals, reduce carbs little by little, or take extra steps throughout the day.

Here is a how your plate should look like

2. Add Instead of Remove:
Rather than focusing on what to cut out, think about what you can add. Want to eat healthier? Incorporate more fruits and vegetables instead of eliminating your favorite treats right away. This way, you expand your options while maintaining balance.

Here’s a simple veggie-packed side dish:

3. Embrace Flexibility:
Life is unpredictable, and rigid rules often lead to frustration. Instead of setting restrictions, make space for enjoyment. Starting a fitness routine? Allow for rest days, invite a friend to work out, dance, or go for a hike.

Here are some of my favorite spots to move: @bettermemovement, @barrys, @makeitremble, @mellisawoodhealth

4. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection:
Change is a journey, not a test. Celebrate every small step forward—whether it’s choosing water over soda or journaling for five minutes. Every little choice adds up, so be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned.

5. Try New Things:
Improving your well-being should be exciting, not boring. Try new activities—yoga, gardening, new recipes—whatever sparks your curiosity. The more you explore, the easier it’ll be to find what truly fits your lifestyle.

6. Stay Connected to Your “Why”:
Understanding why you want to make a change is powerful. Write down your intentions—maybe it’s to feel more energetic, improve relationships, or nurture creativity. Your ‘why’ will be your anchor when motivation wavers :)

Here is a form that I’ve created:

Reminder: Some days, you might feel like giving up—and that’s completely okay. What matters is that you keep going, even when motivation fades. Consistency is what will lead you to the results you desire.

On those days when it feels like too much, remember to show up. Show up for yourself, because at the end of the day, no one else will do it for you.

Progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about taking small steps forward, even on the hardest days.

With love,
Plenah 💛