How To Start A ‘That Girl’ Routine (+ Stick To It)

This post is all about how to start a ‘that girl’ routine.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about New Year’s resolutions.

There are so many things I want to do, but at the top of my list is creating a healthy routine that actually sticks — one that feels natural, nourishing, and which I will actually stick to.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably have healthy foods, regular exercise, or starting that dream business on your list.

Now, though the excitement of a fresh start is amazing, let’s be real — this isn’t always our first rodeo.

Making a long list of goals in January is easy; sticking to them? that’s the tricky part.

Does this sound familiar?

The first week of January, you’re unstoppable.

You wake up early, fit in that 30-minute workout, and blend a green smoothie that makes you feel like a new person.

But somewhere around week three, your old habits sneak back in.

Snooze becomes your best friend.

Doomscrolling in bed replaces your morning focus.

You skip your morning workout.

And suddenly, the healthy meals go out the window.

Weeks later, you’re still wishing for that routine to stick.

But the truth is, starting a healthy routine isn’t about perfection or forcing yourself to follow through — it’s about small, consistent, loving actions that shift your life over time.

In this post, I’m sharing seven things you can do to create a routine that helps you feel stronger, more vibrant, and completely unrecognizable in the best way by the end of 2026.

This post is all about starting a healthy routine that transforms your life gently, intentionally, and joyfully.

How To Make A Routine Stick – 7 Gentle Steps To Get You There!

1. Prioritize Your Sleep (Go to Bed Earlier)

A healthy routine starts with getting enough rest.

The time you go to bed at night sets the tone for your entire day — whether you wake up feeling calm and energized, or rushed and foggy.

So, assess your current sleeping habits.

Are you staying up late, scrolling on your phone, watching TV, or vibing to music until the 2 a.m?

Do you wake up groggy, moody, or like you have to abandon your morning routine entirely?

I was this girl too.

When I stayed up late doomscrolling or binge-watching rom coms, my mornings would unravel.

Meditation, journaling, workouts, skincare, and even a nourishing breakfast — all skipped.

My whole day felt shaky.

But when I started going to bed earlier, everything shifted.

I woke up motivated, more present, and even noticed my skin glowing.

So take it from me, sleep isn’t just rest, it’s the foundation that holds your healthy habits together.

Now, you don’t need anything complicated to tap into your “nighttime mode.” You just need to slow down and give your body permission to rest.

Here are some gentle ways to wind down:

• Keep a book on your nightstand and read a few pages before drifting off to sleep.

• Turn off your phone and leave it in another room.

• Treat yourself to a calming skincare routine.

• Write down your thoughts in a journal to release the day.

• Snuggle with your pets or loved ones.

• Do 5 minutes of gentle stretches in bed.

• Meditate for 10 minutes to quiet your mind.

Even small steps like these can transform your nights and give your mornings the calm, energized start it deserve.

2. Wake Up Early (Without Rushing Yourself)

3. No More To-Do List (Make A “Power List” Instead)

A power list is ideal for your ‘that girl’ routine because it isn’t about cramming in every task at once.

It’s about choosing a few meaningful things  that give you small daily wins and nudge you closer toward your bigger dreams.

So take a few quiet minutes in the morning to write out your power list.

I like using the notes app on my phone—it keeps my priorities clear, my mind calm, and gives me confidence to move through the day with purpose.

Some ideas to include on your power list:

• One small task that moves you toward your goals

• One act of self-care (like journaling, a morning walk, or meditating)

• One creative or personal project to nurture your growth

• One intentional connection (a text, call, or note to someone you care about)

If you prefer pen and paper, a planner like the Dailee Planner can be a beautiful way to bring structure to your day without overwhelming yourself.

4. Cook Fresh Meals (Prep The Night Before)

First of all, when you cook your own meals, you become more intentional and it gives you control of what you’re putting into your body.

You’ll find yourself using less salt or seasoning, and eating out less, which can be expensive.

So lean into cooking your own food more regularly.

You can even find one pot recipes online that are easy and takes less than 20 minutes to prepare (which makes cooking for yourself easier).

To save a lot more time, you can do your entire grocery shopping and prep on Sundays for the week ahead. 

Prepping also helps you decide what and when you want to eat.

You also get a better sense of when you want to have your meals to manage your appetite and cravings better.

One way I love to keep my fruits and vegetables fresh is putting them out on your counter the night before.

Tip: You can even fill your water bottle and leave it out so you remember to hydrate as you wake up.

Here are a few ways to add small nutritional upgrades to your food every day:

• Drink water first thing in the morning (we wake up dehydrated)
• Eat more protein (avoid processed food if possible)
• Add fruits or veggies to every meal
• Cut down on sugary snacks that drain you

5. Make Time To Move Your Body

It doesn’t have to be for an hour.

You just need to start.

Even a few minutes of gentle movement can lift your energy, brighten your mood, and set the tone for your day.

You could take a short walk, run for 10 minutes, stretch with some yoga, or even dance around your kitchen while making breakfast.

The key is to honor your body by getting it moving in a way that feels joyful, not forced.

I love starting my mornings with movement; it wakes up my endorphins, boosts my confidence, and helps me tackle my “power list” with ease.

I never thought I’d enjoy moving my body this much in the morning, but now, it’s a part of my day that I actually look forward to.

Here are some simple ways to gently move your body in the morning:

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

• Dance in the kitchen while preparing a meal you love.

• Sway your hips or stretch while cleaning or listening to music.

• Try 5–10 minutes of gentle yoga or stretching before your shower.

Even small, playful movements add up, and before you know it, your body feels energized, your mind feels lighter, and your day flows with more ease.

 

6. Keep Your Space Clutter Free

Your space holds so much power over your mood, energy, and daily rhythm.

When your surroundings are cluttered, your mind will quietly pull you out of your routine before you even begin.

You might sit down to journal, but can’t find your notebook.

You want to cook yourself a nourishing breakfast, but the kitchen feels overwhelming.

You plan to do a few gentle Pilates stretches, but there’s no clear space to move.

The clutter lingers in your background, creating a sense of chaos that makes everything feel harder than it needs to be.

But when your space is clear, something shifts.

You move with more ease.

Your routine flows naturally.

And following through feels lighter.

A simple place to start is by tidying your room or kitchen the night before.

It’s a small act of care that creates so much peace for your future self.

I never go to bed without cleaning my kitchen, because waking up to a fresh, organized space instantly sets the tone for me to have a calm, intentional morning.

When your environment feels clean and supportive, your energy feels steadier, your mind feels clearer, and your healthy habits become easier to maintain.

 

7. Romanticize Your New Routine (and Make It Fun)

Your new routine doesn’t have to feel strict or overwhelming.

It gets to feel beautiful, comforting, and something you actually look forward to.

Instead of rushing out of bed and forcing yourself into habits, slow it down.

Slip into soft pajamas, open your curtains, light a vanilla candle, and press play on a gentle playlist that instantly softens your mood.

When you romanticize your routine, you calm your nervous system and create a sense of safety and pleasure around your habits—and that’s what makes consistency feel natural instead of forced.

You can also invite a little connection into the process.

Ask a friend (or two) to join you.

Maybe you all do yoga or Pilates on your own, then hop on a weekly call to check in, share wins, and gently hold each other accountable.

 

Final Thoughts: How To Start A ‘That Girl’ Routine That Sticks

Creating a ‘that girl’ routine isn’t about perfection, sticking to a schedule, or doing everything “right.”

It’s about slowing down, softening your approach, and choosing to move through your days with intention.

The most beautiful part is that you don’t need a full reset to begin.

You can start today, right now, with one small, loving choice for yourself.

 

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