When I think about changing habits, I often use the metaphor of the microbiome — the ecosystem of bacteria that lives in our gut and influences our health, mood, and energy.
To add good bacteria to your microbiome, you first need to make space by removing the bad ones. Taking probiotics when your gut is already overcrowded with harmful bacteria won’t make any difference — they’ll simply pass through your system without settling in.
The same thing happens when we try to create new habits.
If your life is already full — of routines, tasks, and automatic behaviors — there’s no room for new, nourishing habits to take root. You first need to scan your current patterns, notice the ones that no longer serve you (or even harm you, like bad bacteria), and make the conscious decision to let them go.
This requires a touch of self-discipline — a word that many associate with rigidity or punishment. Yet that’s a misconception. In truth, self-discipline is the key to a happier, more authentic life. It helps you create space for what truly matters, for the things that bring joy and meaning.
As Jim Rohn beautifully said:
“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”
Discipline is not about punishment — it’s about self-respect.
It’s about valuing your dreams more than your temporary discomfort.
Start small, and build gently.
A good place to begin is by observing your morning and evening habits — the way you open and close your days. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up, and the last thing before you sleep?
Do these actions support your well-being? Do they make you feel grounded, empowered, and calm?
Scrolling on your phone, for example, rarely does. Could you leave it aside for a while?
Maybe begin your morning by taking a deep breath and thanking the Universe for the day ahead.
Drink a glass of water to hydrate your body.
Stretch in bed for thirty seconds, allowing your body to wake up gently.
At night, perhaps replace the phone with a few pages of a good book, or a quiet reflection on what went well during the day.
Think of the small, loving habits you could bring into your daily rhythm — and share your ideas below.
Happy habit building!
If you feel ready to create space for change but don’t know where to begin, I would love to guide you through the process. You can learn more or reach out to me for support here: Transformational Life Coaching for Women in Transition. Together, we’ll explore your values, clear what no longer serves you, and gently build habits that align with the life you truly want to live.
For further inspiration and practical tools, I recommend these two powerful books:
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Atomic Habits by James Clear, a transformative guide to understanding how small changes can lead to remarkable results.
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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, a timeless classic on personal growth and intentional living.