FA40 #008: How to Make Working Out a Habit (Even When Life is Crazy)
Mar 29, 2025
We all start with good intentions when it comes to working out.
You’re motivated.
You’re committed.
You tell yourself, “This is the year I finally stay consistent.”
But then life happens.
Work gets busy.
The kids need you.
Motivation fades.
And suddenly, your workouts are the first thing to go.
But here’s the truth: You don’t need motivation—you need a system.
So today, I’m sharing how to make working out a habit (even when life gets crazy).
Lower the Bar for “Success”
The biggest mistake people make? Thinking workouts have to be long, intense, and perfect.
“If I can’t work out for an hour, it’s not worth it.”
“I need to be sore for it to count.”
“I’ll start fresh next week when things calm down.”
Wrong. Progress comes from doing something consistently, even if it’s small.
15-20 minutes is better than nothing. Walking counts. Short home workouts count.
If time is tight, commit to just 10 minutes. Once you start, you’ll likely keep going.
Schedule Your Workouts Like Appointments
You wouldn’t cancel a meeting with your boss, right? Treat workouts the same way.
“I’ll work out when I have time” = It won’t happen.
“I work out Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7 AM” = It gets done.
Pick 3-4 set days & times each week. Put them in your calendar. Non-negotiable.
Make It Stupidly Easy to Start
The hardest part is starting. So remove all friction.
Lay out your gym clothes the night before.
Have a go-to 20-minute workout for busy days.
Keep your gym bag packed and ready.
Before bed, set out everything you need to make working out easier tomorrow.
Build the “Workout Trigger” Habit
Pair your workout with something you already do daily.
Morning coffee → 10-minute walk.
Lunch break → Quick bodyweight workout.
Finish work → Drive straight to the gym.
Find an anchor habit and attach a workout to it. This makes it automatic.
Stop Waiting for Motivation
Motivation comes and goes. If you rely on it, you’ll never be consistent.
Instead, focus on discipline and habits. The more you show up, the easier it gets.
Do you say “I don’t feel like working out.”
Or do you say “I work out because it’s what I do.”
Commit to JUST showing up. Even on low-energy days, do a warm-up. If you still don’t feel like it, go home. (Spoiler: You’ll usually keep going.)
The Bottom Line:
You don’t need more time. You don’t need more motivation. You need a system.
Lower the bar—something is always better than nothing.
Schedule your workouts like important appointments.
Make it easy to start—remove all friction.
Attach workouts to daily habits.
Stop waiting for motivation—build discipline.
Do this, and working out will become as automatic as brushing your teeth.
Let’s keep making progress,
Coach Craig
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