I woke up very early this morning and observed my racing thoughts as they darted through New Year’s resolutions—should I go sober for January? Should I commit to working out every day? What new habits should I create or old ones should I change?
Sound familiar?
Hi, it’s Lizzie, CEO of Yoga Wake Up, and these were my actual thoughts this week, and I know I’m not alone. That “new year, new me” energy can feel overwhelming, but it got me thinking—what if we approached this whole habit thing differently?
We are so programmed to believe we need to fix or change something about ourselves. And while growth is beautiful, this “all or nothing” mindset can set us up for failure before we even begin.
What if, instead of focusing on perfection, we started with compassion? Instead of trying to fix ourselves, we learned to build habits that support who we already are and where we want to go?
The Connection Between Habits and Mindset
Our mindset—the way we think and feel about ourselves—shapes the habits we create. When we start with thoughts like “I need to change everything,” it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, burnt out, or quit altogether.
But when we shift to “I’m already doing my best, and I can take one small step today,” everything changes.
This is because habits are most effective when they’re:
Small: Tiny actions that feel doable, not overwhelming.
Consistent: Built into your life one step at a time.
Rooted in self-kindness: A way to care for yourself, not punish yourself.
Mindset First, Habits Second
Consider this:
Instead of committing to working out every day, could you start with 10 minutes of mindful movement twice a week?
Instead of overhauling your diet, could you add one colorful vegetable to your plate each day?
These small steps build momentum and confidence. And when you celebrate your wins—no matter how tiny—they reinforce a mindset of growth and self-worth.
Let's do it! ...Together.
Building habits isn’t something you have to do alone. When you’re surrounded by a supportive community, it’s easier to stay accountable, motivated, and kind to yourself through the ups and downs.
That’s why alongside our friends at Fit & Thriving Health, we created the Rise & Thrive Challenge, which starts this Sunday, Jan. 5. It’s a 3-week reset designed to help you:
Build sustainable habits with small, guided steps.
Shift your mindset toward growth and self-compassion.
Stay supported with weekly Zoom sessions and a like-minded community.
Join now for $99 and take the first step toward thriving in 2025.
What’s Next?
Take a moment to reflect:
What’s one habit you’d like to build in 2025?
How can you approach it with curiosity and self-kindness?
When you focus on your mindset and take small steps, big changes follow naturally.
Let’s rise, thrive, and make this year one of growth, not perfection.