PurpleReset

There comes a time when your existing routines simply doesn’t work anymore. It happens to everyone, and yet it can feel incredibly personal, like you’ve somehow failed.

“I did it for X amount of weeks or months, but now I can’t, for some reason, so I failed.”

Let me stop you right there: You have not failed. What has actually happened is that your life has shifted into a different rhythm. And that’s not a failure; it’s a call to adapt.

Why Existing Routines Stop Working

Routines are tied to the rhythms of your life, and those rhythms change. Here are some common reasons why your tried-and-true habits might not feel right anymore:

• Seasonal Changes: As the weather shifts, so do your energy levels and daily needs. For example, a winter evening routine of hot tea and journaling might not feel the same in summer.
• New Responsibilities: Starting a new job, becoming a pet owner, or taking on a new role in your personal life can change your available time and energy.
• Major Life Transitions: Moving to a new country (like me!) or welcoming a baby, for example, can flip your entire routine on its head.
• Personal Growth: You’re not the same person you were a few months ago. Your goals, priorities, and interests evolve—and your routines need to evolve with them.

In my case, I recently started a new job and moved countries. My rhythm has completely changed—and, of course, it should have. Holding onto the same routines from my previous life would have only caused frustration and guilt because they simply don’t fit anymore.

What To Do When Your Existing Routine Isn’t Working

Here’s how you can embrace the shift and rebuild routines that serve your current life:

1. Acknowledge the Change

Instead of berating yourself for “failing,” recognize that your old routine served you well in a previous phase of life. It’s time to thank it and let it go. This is a normal, healthy process.

2. Assess Your Current Reality

Take stock of your new rhythm. Ask yourself:

• What’s different now compared to when my old routine worked?
• How much time and energy do I realistically have each day?
• What are my current priorities? What feels most important to me right now?

3. Start Small

Don’t try to recreate your entire day all at once. Begin with one or two key habits that align with your new reality. For example, if mornings are now busier, focus on creating a simpler evening wind-down routine.

4. Experiment and Adapt

Think of this as a discovery phase. Try different things and notice what feels good. Be flexible. If something doesn’t work, it’s not a failure—it’s feedback.

5. Anchor New Habits to Existing Ones

Building routines can feel less overwhelming when you pair them with habits you already have. For instance, if you always take your dog for a morning walk, use that time to practice mindfulness or listen to an inspiring podcast.

How to Prepare for Changes Going Forward

Change is inevitable, but you can set yourself up for success by building routines with flexibility in mind. Here’s how:

1. Plan for Transitions

If you know a big change is coming (like a new job or season), spend some time brainstorming how it might impact your routine. Think about:

• What parts of my current routine can stay?
• What might need to shift?
• What new habits will support me during this transition?

2. Build “Reset Points” Into Your Schedule

Life can get chaotic, and sometimes routines fall by the wayside. Schedule a monthly or quarterly “reset day” to review your habits and make adjustments. This helps you stay proactive instead of reactive.

3. Ask Key Questions About Your New Routine

When designing a new routine, consider:

• What do I want to achieve with this routine?
• How do I want to feel during and after these activities?
• What’s realistic for me to commit to right now?

4. Focus on Flexibility

Routines shouldn’t feel rigid. Think of them as a framework, not a rulebook. Allow space for life to happen without guilt.

5. Keep Core Rituals Intact

Even when your overall routine changes, some rituals can act as anchors. These might include journaling, stretching, or making your favorite morning drink. These small moments provide stability and continuity.

Final Thoughts

Life changes—and so should your routines. Rather than viewing these shifts as failures, see them as opportunities to align your habits with your current priorities. By acknowledging the change, experimenting, and staying flexible, you’ll find a rhythm that works for you right now.

Remember: You haven’t failed. You’ve simply grown. And growth always requires change.

Ready to start your journaling journey? Explore my collection of thoughtfully designed journals to help you make the most of your practice. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned journaler, there’s a perfect journal waiting for you. Let’s write your way to clarity, calm, and growth! You can read here why I decided to create this collection. If you want to join a journaling community join me on Facebook and/or message to join my Journaling Whatsapp group