Why Sticking to Healthy Habits Is Hard—And How Coaching Can Help

Andrew Bice
Jul 16
3 min read

Updated: Oct 10

Ever started a new habit full of motivation, only to fall off a few weeks later? You’re not alone.

Whether it’s hitting the gym, eating better, or managing stress, the real challenge isn’t starting—it’s making habits stick.

Here’s the truth: It’s not about willpower. It’s about understanding how behaviors work—and shaping them to fit your life. That’s where health and wellness coaching comes in.

The Biggest Habit Mistake Most People Make

Most people approach change with a strict plan:

❌ “I’ll work out five times a week.”

❌ “I’ll quit sugar completely.”

❌ “I’ll start meditating every day.”

But life happens—schedule changes, stress piles up, and motivation fades. When we miss a day, we feel like we’ve failed, which makes it easier to quit altogether.

A coach helps shift this thinking. Instead of rigid routines, they guide you toward sustainable choices that work for your real-life schedule.

Why Behavior Change Beats Willpower

Healthy habits aren’t about discipline—they’re about behavior patterns. Ever noticed how stress, exhaustion, or boredom send you right back to unhealthy habits? That’s because our actions are deeply tied to emotions, routines, and triggers.

Coaching helps you spot—and shift—those patterns by:

✅ Recognizing what’s holding you back (stress, environment, mindset)

✅ Creating habit strategies that feel natural instead of forced

✅ Turning small wins into lasting behaviors

When you focus on behavior, not just motivation, progress stops feeling like an uphill battle.

The Secret Ingredient: Accountability & Support

Most people think they just need to try harder—but staying consistent is way easier with support.

💡 Think about this: How often do you follow through when you’ve promised someone else? That same psychology applies to coaching—when someone is checking in, you're more likely to stay committed without guilt or pressure.

A coach provides:

🎯 Encouragement – Helping you navigate setbacks instead of feeling discouraged

🎯 Perspective – Guiding you toward solutions tailored to your life

🎯 Consistency – Keeping you accountable without feeling overwhelmed

Coaching isn’t about handing you a strict routine—it’s about helping you design a lifestyle that makes healthy habits effortless.

Making Wellness Feel Like Part of You

The key to lasting habits? Making them feel natural, not like a chore.

🚀 Movement should feel enjoyable—not like punishment.

🚀 Healthy eating shouldn’t feel restrictive—it should fuel your life.

🚀 Wellness isn’t about being perfect—it’s about progress.

Coaching helps you integrate these habits into your life so they become second nature.

The Power of Mindset in Habit Formation

Mindset plays a crucial role in habit formation. When you approach change with a positive outlook, you’re more likely to succeed.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset encourages you to see challenges as opportunities. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, you learn to embrace them. This shift in perspective can make all the difference in your journey toward sustainable habits.

The Role of Self-Compassion

Practicing self-compassion is vital. When you’re kind to yourself during tough times, you’re less likely to give up. This approach fosters resilience and helps you bounce back from setbacks.