Beginning is Easy. Continuing is Hard.

Beginning is Easy. Continuing is Hard.

We’ve all felt that rush of motivation at the beginning of something new. A new diet plan, a fresh workout routine, the start of a new year, or even a Monday morning reset — it feels exciting. Hopeful. We tell ourselves, “This time I’m going to stick to it.” And in that moment, we mean it.

But then life creeps in. Work deadlines pile up. Kids get sick. The weather turns. That motivation? It fades. And suddenly, continuing feels like a mountain we didn’t expect to climb.

Here’s the truth: starting is the easy part. But continuing? That’s where the real work — and the real change — happens.

Why is it so hard to keep going?

Because results take time. And we live in a world that thrives on instant gratification. If we don’t see progress straight away, we feel like we’re failing. But transformation doesn’t happen in a week. It happens in the days you show up when you don’t feel like it. In the meals you prep when you’re tired. In the choices you make quietly and consistently.

So how do we keep going?

Here’s what I tell my clients (and myself):

1. Lower the bar – but raise your standards.

Not every day needs to be 100%. Some days will be 60%, or even 40%. But showing up in some way keeps the momentum going. You’re not aiming for perfect. You’re aiming for progress.

2. Don’t rely on motivation. Build discipline.

Motivation is a feeling. Discipline is a decision. Make your routine so simple, so doable, that it becomes part of your life, not something you have to hype yourself up for.

3. Remember your ‘why’.

Whether it’s energy for your kids, better mental health, or proving to yourself that you can — anchor into the reason you started. That ‘why’ will carry you when motivation fizzles.

4. Celebrate consistency, not just outcomes.

Did you do your workout today? Did you prep your lunch instead of grabbing a takeaway? That’s a win. Stack those small wins and they become your results.

Final thoughts…

It’s OK to fall off track. It’s normal to feel stuck. But don’t stay there. Beginning again isn’t failure — it’s resilience. Every time you restart, you’re building strength, not just physically but mentally.

So if you’re struggling to keep going, know this: you’re not alone, and it’s worth it. The best version of you is built in the moments you push through, not when it’s easy — but when it’s hard.

You’ve got this. And if you need a bit of support along the way, I’m always here to help.

– Sarah♥️