Why Discipline Isn’t the Problem (and What to Focus on Instead)
"If Plan A doesn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters." — Claire Cook
Have You Ever Thought: “Why Can’t I Just Stick to My Plan to Eat Healthy?”
Maybe this thought comes after logging every calorie for weeks…only to end up face-first in a bag of chips.
Or when you’ve prepped a week’s worth of healthy meals, only to abandon them by Wednesday because you’re sick of reheated broccoli.
Or maybe it’s that moment when you stare into the fridge at 7:00pm, too tired to think, let alone cook, so you default to takeout…again.
And after each one of those moments, those same thoughts creep in:
"I keep messing this up."
"What's wrong with me?"
"Why do I even bother?"
Let’s pause right there.
You’re Not the Problem—Your System Is
We’ve been taught that success comes from being “disciplined.” That we should force ourselves to do things we don’t want to do. That we should stick to the plan no matter what.
So when you can’t “just do it”… you assume the problem is you.
But here’s the truth:
Blaming yourself when you can’t stick to your plan is like wearing shoes that are two sizes too small and then blaming your feet for hurting.
Your habits aren’t working because they weren’t designed for you—your energy levels, your preferences, your schedule, your life.
Why Restrictive Habits Backfire
When habits feel restrictive—like a chore, a punishment, or a constant test of willpower—your brain will naturally resist.
Because your brain isn’t wired to chase pain. It’s wired to avoid it.
So when you abandon your healthy habits, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
👉 It means it’s time to build a better system.
A system that works with your brain (by focusing on healthy things you actually enjoy) and with your life (by accounting for your real-world circumstances).
What a Better System Looks Like
✨ Start with how you want to feel—not what you think you “should” do
Want to feel calm? Energized? Satisfied? Let that guide your decisions.
Instead of forcing yourself to do a HIIT class you dread, choose a walk in nature that leaves you feeling grounded.
Swap the bland salad you “should” eat for a colorful grain bowl that’s satisfying and enjoyable.
✨ Design for your real-life self—not your ideal-life self
If you’re tired at the end of the day, don’t plan habits that require a full tank of energy.
If evenings are chaotic, move meal prep to Sunday afternoons when you have more bandwidth.
Plan a 10-minute stretch instead of a 45-minute workout when your schedule’s unpredictable.
✨ Use flexible structure—not rigid rules
Structure can be supportive—as long as it doesn’t become a prison.
Instead of tracking every calorie, jot down how meals make you feel: satisfied? overstuffed? energized?
Plan 3–4 “anchor meals” for the week and leave space for spontaneity.
✨ Build a system that includes backup plans
You don’t need to be perfect. You need a plan B for when life gets messy.
Keep a list of 3 go-to “rescue meals” you can make in 10 minutes from pantry/freezer staples.
Pair a store-bought rotisserie chicken with a bagged salad and call it a win.
The Takeaway: You Don’t Need More Discipline
If your system is the problem, you are not.
That means the solution isn’t fixing you—it’s designing a system that fits you better.
So ask yourself:
What’s one way I could make my healthy habits feel more aligned with my real life this week?
Start there.
Ready to build a system that works for you?
Inside the Empowered Eating Blueprint, I’ll help you create a personalized plan that works with your life, not against it.
👉 Book a free strategy session to learn how we can make that happen.
