Struggling to keep up with your habits? Try these tips and tools

Lately, I’ve found myself sliding in and out of the habits I want to keep up with—especially my morning journaling routine. The reasons are pretty simple, but they’re tough to shake. Whenever I wake up early, I end up doomscrolling instead of grabbing my journal. If I don’t wake up early, it’s usually because I stayed up too late playing video games (damn Valorant). And honestly, the state of my apartment doesn’t help; a cluttered space seems to clutter my mind, making it harder to focus.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to keep habits for a few common reasons:

📱 Constant distractions

Phones, social media, and even video games are the biggest obstacles to building habits. Digital distractions are everywhere, and it’s easy to get sucked into scrolling instead of focusing on what really matters.

What might help: A phone lock box can put your phone out of reach for set periods. Lock it away during your habit time and focus on your goals. Or if you doomscroll like me (and this might not be my best advice), you can use a TikTok bluetooth remote and take 45 minutes walking on a treadmill while you consume brain rotting content.

⏰ Irregular routines and lack of boundaries

Building a habit becomes difficult when your days lack structure. Sleep schedules, inconsistent work hours, or unplanned activities can throw everything off. A predictable routine creates a foundation for good habits.

What might help: If you find yourself constantly lounging or just passing the time, try to have a folding bed tray within your reach – this way, you can journal without having to move to a desk.

Also read: Why I have a separate journaling desk

🏠 Messy environment

A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. It’s hard to feel motivated when your environment doesn’t support focus or productivity.

What might help: Sometimes, the reason why our stuff is everywhere is because our home is not designed based on our lifestyle. If your entryway is constantly messy, then maybe you need to add a small console table or a valet tray. Another thing that could help reduce the mess is to get a robot vacuum.

💭 Lack of motivation or purpose

Skipping habits often happens when they don’t feel essential. Without a clear why, it’s easy to give up. Visual reminders can reignite motivation and make goals more tangible.

What might help: Use a whiteboard to create a habit tracker. Seeing your progress builds momentum and keeps you motivated.

🎯 Feeling overwhelmed starting a habit

Sometimes, the hardest part of a habit is simply starting. It might feel like you need a huge chunk of time, but even five or ten minutes can make a difference.

What might help: A Pomodoro Timer is ideal for breaking habits into manageable chunks. It’s an easy way to take that first step. But seriously, that TikTok remote + treadmill combo is really one of the best things I’ve done this year.

Final thoughts

Struggling with habits doesn’t make you lazy or unmotivated—it just means life is getting in the way. With small steps and the right tools, you can ease back into routines that matter to you. Start small, stay consistent, and remember: it’s about progress, not perfection.