Five Tips to Create a Wellbeing Habit That Lasts

Building lasting wellbeing habits isn’t just about the initial spark of motivation, but also about consistency, self-awareness, and adaptability. Whether you're aiming to exercise more, meditate regularly, eat healthier, or improve your sleep, sustainable habits are often what set apart those who succeed from those who fall off track.

Here are five essential tips for creating a wellbeing habit that sticks, and helps you become the healthiest and happiest version of yourself.

1. Understanding Your Why

Before embarking on any wellbeing journey, it’s crucial to deeply understand why you want to adopt this habit. Is it something you truly desire, or are you influenced by societal expectations, peer pressure, or other external factors? For instance, you might feel the need to start running because everyone else is doing it, or because fitness influencers are promoting it. However, this might not be a habit you actually enjoy or feel aligned with. When the going gets tough, it’s your personal why that will keep you committed.

Take time to reflect on your motivations. Is it to feel stronger, improve your mental health, or just to feel more energised in your daily life? When you can connect your habit to something deeply meaningful to you, it will be easier to maintain over time.

2. Assessing Whether It Is Achievable and Defining Success 

A successful wellbeing habit begins with clear, realistic goals. The key here is setting an achievable habit that you can work towards, not one that feels like a far-off dream. Ask yourself: Is this goal within my reach, given my current circumstances?

Setting the right expectations is vital. If you are aiming to improve your diet, rather than committing to an extreme, restrictive regimen, try starting with a more manageable step—like increasing your vegetable intake or cutting down on processed foods. Similarly, define what success means to you. Is it consistently doing a 15-minute yoga session each day, or running 3 times a week? Success doesn’t have to be grand—it’s about making progress that feels sustainable.

3. Assessing Long-Term Sustainability 

For a habit to last, it needs to fit within your existing lifestyle. Are you setting yourself up for success, or is your goal likely to clash with your current commitments? Think about how much time and energy you realistically have each day. If you're working full-time and balancing other responsibilities, committing to an hour-long workout every day may not be sustainable, no matter how appealing the goal seems in the beginning.

Instead, aim for a habit that can grow with you. Start small—perhaps 10-minute workouts or making a meal plan once a week. Ensure that the habit is adaptable and can integrate with your lifestyle for the long haul. This adaptability is key to preventing burnout and making it something that becomes an enjoyable part of your day, rather than a chore.

4. Accepting That Progress Isn’t Linear 

One of the most common pitfalls when trying to establish a new habit is the expectation of immediate success. We often expect quick results, but real change takes time—and sometimes, progress is anything but linear. There will be days when you miss a workout or indulge in unhealthy food, and that’s perfectly normal. It’s important to accept that these “slips” are part of the journey, not evidence of failure.

The key is to have a recovery plan in place. Instead of seeing a missed day as a reason to quit, consider it an opportunity to bounce back. Acknowledge your slip-up, adjust your expectations, and get back to your habit the next day. By reframing setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures, you’ll find it easier to stay on track in the long term.

5. Ensuring Accountability and Support

One of the most powerful ways to make your habit stick is to surround yourself with support. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a group, having someone (or a group) to check in with can significantly boost your commitment. People who genuinely want to see you succeed can offer motivation when you’re feeling demotivated, give you a nudge when you’re slacking, and celebrate your wins with you.

Accountability can come in many forms. You could join a fitness class, check in with a friend each week about your progress, or even use social media to track your journey. Knowing that someone else cares about your success can help you keep going, especially when your motivation dips. And, at the same time, it makes the habit feel more rewarding when you're not doing it alone.

Building a wellbeing habit that lasts is about aligning your goals with your values, setting realistic expectations, and being kind to yourself when things don’t go perfectly.

By understanding your why, making sure your habit is achievable and sustainable, accepting setbacks as part of the journey, and getting the right support, you can turn your wellbeing goals into lasting habits that will continue to serve you in the long run. Keep moving forward, even if the pace is slow, and remember: every small step counts.  

For more support to reach your own personal wellbeing goals and get the accountability and regular nudges you need to keep moving forward, consider joining the Wellbeing Club from just £15 per month. You get access to me and a dedicated WhatsApp community to keep you on track. You can also boost your monthly membership and get one-to-one support from me at any time and for any duration.

You can also book a free Personal Wellbeing Review with me to ask any questions and discuss if this would be right for you before moving forward.