Healthy Habits That Stick—Even If You're Juggling Work, Kids, and Chaos

“People do not decide their futures, they decide their habits and their habits decide their futures.”

– F.M. Alexander

Building habits that last isn’t about sheer willpower or squeezing in more “stuff” into your already busy life. It’s about creating the right environment, having support, and learning how to adapt when life inevitably throws you a curveball.

I’ve found a perfect metaphor for this in my gardening hobby—and if you’ve ever tried to grow anything from a seed, you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

1. Have a Place for Your Healthy Habit to Grow

When you plant a seed, the first thing you need is fertile soil. You don’t throw a seed into a patch of weeds and hope for the best.

I actually tried that once with some veggies, and it did not go well—the weeds choked the seedlings, and they struggled to reach the sunlight.

Some of you are trying to plant a habit—maybe working out consistently or meal planning—into a schedule that’s already packed with kids, work, house chores, and chaos.

That’s a weed bed. Your habit doesn’t have a chance to thrive.

Pulling the weeds in your life is essential. In my program, The Fat Loss Formula for Moms, I teach something called Core Needs Prioritization. This helps you clear the space in your week so the things that actually move the needle—your health, your workouts, your nutrition—have a proper place to grow. Without that, even the best-intentioned habits get stunted.

New to strength training? Check out my free No-Fear Weight Room Tour video

2. Build Accountability to Make Your Healthy Habit Stick

Plants need more than good soil—they need regular watering. I have a reminder that goes off every week to water my garden. That external nudge ensures that my garden thrives, even when life gets hectic.

Healthy habits are the same. Accountability acts as that weekly reminder. You might need someone to check in, ask how you’re doing, or simply notice that you showed up.

That’s why I offer accountability through my program and community: whether it’s joining my free Facebook group or booking a discovery call and joining my program, having someone to support and check on you increases your chance of success.

Sometimes, knowing that someone will ask is all the motivation you need to follow through.

3. Practice Adaptability

Here’s where so many people stumble: life happens. Kids get sick, work deadlines pile up, and the “perfect week” you planned goes out the window. This is when your habit-building muscles get tested.

I teach my students how to adapt—how to adjust their plans and routines without abandoning the habit entirely. A seed that gets a little less sunlight one day won’t die; it keeps growing. 

Similarly, a workout or healthy meal that doesn’t happen exactly as planned doesn’t erase all your progress. Learning to be flexible, to shift and adjust, is critical for healthy habits that stick long-term.

The Takeaway

Building lasting habits isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about giving your habits the space to grow, the accountability to stay consistent, and the adaptability to pivot when you need to.

If you’re ready to pull some weeds in your schedule, get accountability, and learn how to thrive even when life gets chaotic, I invite you to:

• Join my free Facebook community for tips, support, and accountability

• Book a discovery call to see how I can guide you personally in building habits that stick

  
  

Your habits don’t have to fight for survival—they can flourish. And when they do, your future self will thank you.

Other Posts You May Enjoy: 

How to Stay Consistent With Healthy Habits as a Busy Mom (Even When Life Is a Hot Mess)

Weight Loss for Busy Moms: How to Lose Fat Without Spending Hours in the Gym

6 Critical Steps To Make Your Fitness Goals Successful