I don't know about you, but I struggle with routines. I'll get motivated, plan out a perfect schedule to exercise more, eat healthier, and get work done.

But inevitably, after a few days, or maybe a couple of weeks if I'm lucky, things fall apart. Suddenly I'm back to my old habits, wondering where all that motivation went.

If this sounds familiar, you're definitely not alone. Studies show that only about 20% of people are able to successfully form a new habit and stick with it long-term.

So why is it so hard? There are a few key reasons.

Reason 1: Your Routine Is Too Ambitious

When we first set out to change our habits, we tend to be overly ambitious. We want to exercise 5 days a week, completely overhaul our diet, and implement a whole new morning routine.

It seems doable when we're feeling motivated, but it's just not realistic. It's much easier to stick to small, incremental changes.

So instead of revamping everything, pick 1-2 habits you want to work on, like going for a 30 minute walk 3 days a week and eating a vegetable at every meal. Once those stick, you can build from there.

Baby steps!

Reason 2: You Don't Have Enough Accountability

Sticking to something long-term requires accountability. But when you try to implement changes solo, it's easy to make excuses, hit snooze, and bail on your plans.

Getting an accountability partner, joining a gym, or even just telling friends and family about your routine can encourage you to actually follow through. You feel like you have to answer to someone else, which provides external motivation on those days when your internal drive is lagging.

Reason 3: Your Routine Doesn't Fit Your Lifestyle

Routines fail when they don't align with your day-to-day life. If you hate mornings, trying to become an early riser probably won't work. And if you have young kids or an unpredictable job, a rigid schedule may be impossible.

Look at your current commitments and preferences to find the best time and way to fit in new habits. Maybe you could meal prep on Sundays instead of trying to cook every night after work. Or do short bodyweight workouts during TV commercial breaks rather than dragging yourself to the gym at 5 a.m.

Tailor it to you!

Reason 4: You Don't Find Enjoyment in the Routine

Let's be honest - a lot of healthy habits kind of suck at first.

Running is hard, kale doesn't taste like chocolate, and meditation takes serious self-control when you want to grab your phone. But if there's no enjoyment or satisfaction mixed in, it's really tough to power through.

Focus on habits and activities you like or want to learn to like. Make exercise social by joining a recreational sports team, for example. Have one "treat" meal a week so you still look forward to eating out. And track your progress with habits like weight lifting so you feel a sense of accomplishment.

Reason 5: You Don't Plan for Disruptions

Vacations, holidays, work deadlines - life sometimes gets in the way of routines. And when you don't have a plan for handling disruptions, one missed workout or late night can snowball into abandoning your routine altogether. But with some flexibility and forethought, you can get back on track.

Have a backup alarm across the room, meal prep freezer meals for busy weeks, and schedule workouts in your calendar to block off time. Expect that slip ups will happen and have a damage control strategy in place.

Reason 6: You Lack Intrinsic Motivation

Here's the truth - motivation is fleeting. Relying on willpower, inspiration, and the perfect conditions to stick to a routine often backfires.

Motivation gets you started, but you need intrinsic motivation to keep going long-term. Intrinsic motivation comes from within. It's the deep-down desire to write that book, train for a marathon, or learn a new language because it aligns with your values, interests, and sense of identity.

It persists through obstacles, rejections, inconveniences, because it's rooted in meaning, not momentary inspiration. So dig deep.

Why do you REALLY want the change you set out to make?

How does this habit help you become who you want to be and live how you want to live?

When you know your why and connect with purpose, you have fuel that lasts.

Wrapping up

I know firsthand that it can be frustrating when routines continually fall apart. But don't be so hard on yourself! Changing lifelong habits is genuinely difficult stuff.

Hopefully understanding some of the common pitfalls can help you reframe the process and try again. Start small, make it enjoyable, expect bumps, and reconnect with your intrinsic motivations.

You've got this! It may take some trial and error to make lasting changes. But don't give up - creating healthy, sustainable routines is totally possible if you find the right strategy for YOU.

Now go out there and make it happen!