Building Good Habits: Why Motivation Fails (and What Actually Works)

Hey Re-Definers,

This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about habits, not the aesthetic ones you see on social media, but the real ones that actually stick.

And if you’ve ever started something strong but dropped off fast, this one’s for you.

Why Most People Fail at Building Habits (and how to be the exception)

It’s easy to start a new habit. That’s why gyms are packed the week before New Year’s Eve. But take a look a few days later… and it’s empty again.

Why? Because most people rely on motivation. And motivation, let’s be honest, is unreliable. One bad sleep, a sore back, or zero visible results, and we’re out.

Here’s the truth:
Habits aren’t built on motivation. They’re built on action, repeated consistently.

This idea isn’t new; people like Alex Hormozi have hammered this home. He says, “If you want to be exceptional, you have to be willing to be the exception.” That means showing up even when it’s boring, hard, or invisible to others.

Three Mindset Shifts That Help Habits Stick

1. Consistency over motivation
   Stop waiting to “feel ready.” Just start. Do the minimum — and do it daily.

2. Align habits with your life
   You don’t have to wake up at 4 AM if your brain comes alive at 2 AM. Social media trends aren’t your blueprint. Build systems around your rhythm.

3. Your habits should match your goals
   Ask yourself: “Is this habit moving me closer to the person I want to be?” If not, it’s just noise.

The frustration many people feel about not progressing, not seeing results, often comes from not taking the right actions consistently. The good news? That can change today.

Quick Wins for This Week

• Resource: Atomic Habits by James Clear — still the gold standard

• Video: Alex Hormozi on the mindset of being the exception

• Action Item: Set a 3-minute timer and start your habit. No pressure — just motion.

Community Win

Shoutout to Aryan, who’s been journaling every day for 21 days straight, not because he felt like it, but because he made it easy to stay consistent. Small win, big ripple.

Your Move This Week
Pick one habit you’ve been meaning to build. Break it down to something you can do in under 5 minutes — and start today. Tiny wins are how big changes begin.

Until next week,
Team Re-Defined

[P.S.]
We’re doing a summer social event on July 19th in Toronto. Bring your questions and bring a friend. Click here to register