Why You Can’t Stick to a Routine — and What to Do Instead!

If you’ve ever said, “This time I’m really going to stick to a routine,” only to fall off track within a few days or weeks, you’re not alone. The problem isn’t that you’re lazy, undisciplined, or unmotivated.

The real problem? You’re trying to follow a routine that wasn’t built for your brain.

In this post, we’ll unpack the brain science behind why routines are so hard to maintain—and what to do instead so you can finally build habits that stick.

The Truth About Sticking to a Routine

Most people try to force themselves into someone else’s version of productivity—like the “5 AM club” or rigid hourly schedules. While those may work for some, they can backfire for others.

Why?

Because your executive function—the part of your brain responsible for planning, organization, impulse control, and follow-through—is unique to you. If your routine doesn’t match how your brain naturally functions, it will always feel like a struggle.

3 Reasons You’re Struggling to Stick to a Routine

1. Your routine doesn’t fit your brain’s energy patterns.
   Are you trying to do your hardest tasks first thing in the morning even though your brain doesn’t fully wake up until 10 AM? Or saving your workout for the evening when you know you’re mentally fried? Matching your habits to your brain’s energy rhythms is key.
2. You’re relying on motivation instead of systems.
   Motivation is unpredictable. Habits that last are built on simple, repeatable systems—not willpower.
3. You’re using shame as a motivator.
   Beating yourself up every time you “fail” at your routine only reinforces negative patterns. Real change comes from self-awareness and strategy, not self-criticism.

What to Do Instead: Build Habits That Work With Your Brain

The solution isn’t more discipline. It’s personalized systems rooted in how your brain actually works.

That’s exactly what we teach in our course, [Hack Your Brain: Rewire Your Routines for Success]. You’ll learn:

✅ How your executive function profile impacts your habits
✅ Which routines are most compatible with your energy, attention, and focus
✅ Step-by-step strategies to build habits that are simple, flexible, and sustainable
✅ How to stop relying on motivation—and start using brain-based systems that work

Real Routines for Real Life

Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or just someone juggling a lot, your time and mental energy are too valuable to waste on routines that don’t work. Instead of forcing a routine that fights your brain, it’s time to create one that supports it.

Ready to build habits that actually stick?

Our brain-based habit course is open now—click below to grab your spot and start building a routine that works for you (not someone on Instagram).