Can you believe we’re already three weeks into the new year? If you’re like me, you’re still eagerly planning and setting intentions with excitement (hello, Type A over here), but for many, this is when motivation and ambition start to fade away. Old habits sneak back in, and the cold, gray weather certainly doesn’t help. But January isn’t over yet—there’s still plenty of time to reset, shake off any doubts or frustrations, and get back on track with some simple habits to refresh your routine.
I once read a quote that stuck with me: “Do something your future self will thank you for.” It’s simple, but it made me pause and think—“Is what I’m doing right now moving me closer to where I want to be in the future?” That quote has been my guiding thought ever since. It’s become a lens through which I evaluate almost every decision. And it reminds me that no matter how many times I fall off track with my goals, I can always jump back on. My future self would rather I try 1,000 times than give up after the first setback.
So, as we hit the third week of January, I thought it would be the perfect time to share some tips and simple habits to refresh your routine and goals. These are small changes that can make a big difference in staying organized, feeling balanced, and keeping the momentum going with ease.
5 simple habits to refresh your routine.
1. Start with intentionality
Mornings set the tone for my day, but mastering them hasn’t always come naturally to me. Lately, I’ve been getting better (having a little one definitely pushes you to embrace mornings), but it’s still a work in progress. One small change that’s made a big difference is taking just five minutes before I even get out of bed to ground myself. I start with a quick prayer of gratitude, followed by a few deep breaths and some light stretches. Then, I jot down my top three priorities for the day in a small notebook I keep on my nightstand. It’s such a simple habit, but it’s incredible how much more in control of your day you’ll feel by starting it with intention.
2. Declutter a small space each (day/week)
Have you ever heard the phrase, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” It’s a reminder that tackling a big goal or project all at once can feel overwhelming and often leads to giving up. Instead, break it down into smaller, manageable pieces. For example, decluttering your entire home might seem daunting, but focusing on just one drawer, shelf, or corner each day or week makes it feel doable. Those small wins add up, and before you know it, you’ll see real progress. With that progress comes the motivation to keep going!
3. Prep meals for the week
I’ll admit, this is something I used to do consistently years ago, and I’m working on getting back to it. It was such a game-changer to open the fridge and have the makings of a delicious dinner ready to go. When you have a plan for eating at home and sticking to healthy meals, it’s so much easier to stay on track and save money. My advice? Keep it simple. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated—just pick a few favorite recipes, prep the basics, and mix and match throughout the week. Sure, meal prepping takes a bit of strategy at first, but once you find a system that works for you, it becomes second nature. Plus, who doesn’t want more time to relax in the evenings?
P.S. – I love the functionality these containers provide for meal prepping.
4. Set daily “mini goals”
This ties back to what I mentioned in tip #2—breaking a big plan or goal into smaller steps helps you feel accomplished with each win along the way. Take writing a book, for example. It might feel like an overwhelming, almost impossible goal, but if you commit to writing for just 10 minutes a day, you’ll make progress faster than you expect. Before you know it, you’ll have your first chapter, then your first five chapters. You see where I’m going with this—it’s all about taking it one step at a time.
5. Carve out “me time”
Lately, I’ve been focusing on building better daily habits and plans while making sure I honor the time I set aside for myself. To stay consistent, I’ve started scheduling this time into my calendar and even putting my phone on Do Not Disturb to eliminate distractions. I tried a quick exercise, and I want you to try it too: think about your typical day—do you truly get uninterrupted “me time” every day? Most of us don’t. Our time and attention are constantly pulled in different directions by apps, work, priorities, messages, Zoom calls—the list goes on. Setting aside just 15 minutes a day can make a big difference. It gives you a chance to breathe, prioritize yourself, and ultimately show up better for everything else in your life.
Refreshing your routine doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul. Sometimes, all it takes is hitting pause and pressing reset to discover a new approach or system that works better for you. I hope these small but impactful tips inspire you to keep going and continue working toward the person you want to become. Remember, motivation doesn’t just appear—it’s something we cultivate with intention and determination to keep it alive. What are some of your tips and strategies for refreshing your routines and reassessing your goals? I’d love to hear in the comments.
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