When Habit Tracking Becomes Exhausting

Let’s have a little dive into a topic that’s been on my mind for quite a long time now – the fine line between self-progression and the overwhelming burnout that can come with it. I’m talking about habit tracking, that nifty little tool we use to turn our lives into a well-oiled machine.

Now, don’t get me wrong, tracking our habits can be a game-changer, but let’s face it, there are moments when it feels like we’re drowning in our own to-do lists. I mean, isn’t it ironic that the very thing designed to make our lives better can sometimes feel like a heavy weight on our shoulders?

When does habit tracking become too much of a good thing?

Let’s rewind a bit. I started habit tracking with stars in my eyes and a shiny new planner. Morning routines, exercise goals, water intake – you name it, I tracked it. At first, it was empowering. Witnessing those little victories every day was like giving myself a big high-five. But as time passed, I started feeling more like a contestant on a never-ending game show than a person on a journey of self-progression.

It didn’t take long for the novelty to wear off, and the constant pressure to meet my goals started to weigh on me. Wake up at 5 AM? Check. Drink eight glasses of water? Check. Meditate for 20 minutes? Check. 

But what about taking a breather and enjoying life? That’s where things got tricky.

The irony hit me – in my pursuit of a better self, I was neglecting the very essence of what makes life enjoyable. I was so obsessed with the checkboxes that I forgot to savor the moments in between.

How to keep habit tracking from turning into a stress fest

(because we need to strike that delicate balance between progress and not running ourselves into the ground.)

SET REALISTIC GOALS

Okay, let’s be honest. We’ve all had those moments where we thought we could conquer the world in a day. Spoiler alert: we can't. Instead of setting yourself up for failure with unrealistic expectations, start small. If you are a night owl trying to become an early bird, don’t aim to wake up at 5 AM right away. Start with 15 minutes earlier and work your way up. Small victories lead to big changes, right?

FLEXIBLE ROUTINES (because life happens)

Life is unpredictable, and so are our moods and energy levels. Design your habit-tracking system with flexibility in mind. Missed a jog? No biggie. Adjust your routine and hit the pavement tomorrow. Tomorrow is always a new day. The key is to adapt, not beat yourself up.

HABIT STACKING (a game changer!!!)

Cue the superhero entrance music! One game-changer for me has been habit stacking. Instead of viewing each habit as a separate entity, I started linking them together. Get it? You pair a new habit with something you’re already doing! Like, I always stack my morning routine by doing squats while I brush my teeth. Boom! I just stacked a habit. It’s like creating a chain of positive actions that flow seamlessly, saving time and mental energy.

CELEBRATE SMALL WINS

Sometimes, in our quest for self-empowerment, we forget to acknowledge the small victories. Celebrate those little wins, whether it’s sticking to your morning routine for a week or resisting the urge to hit snooze. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in making habit tracking enjoyable.

TAKE BREAKS (yes, breaks from habits)

This might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. Give yourself permission to take breaks from habit tracking. It’s okay to hit pause and recharge. Stepping back for a day or two doesn’t mean you’re giving up; it means you are being kind to yourself. I used to think rest days were for the weak. Oh boy, was I wrong. Our bodies need rest, and so do our minds.

Habits should enhance your life, not become a source of stress. Make room for spontaneity and joy. A lazy Sunday morning or an impromptu movie night won’t ruin your progress – it might just be the recharge your soul needs.

In the grand scheme of things, life is a beautiful chaos. Let’s not get so caught up in tracking habits that we forget to enjoy the ride. After all, the real magic happens in the unplanned, messy moments. Perfection is canceled and life’s messy moments are what keep things spicy, right? So here’s to finding that sweet spot between progress and sanity!

How do you keep your habit-tracking game on point without losing your mind?