Why We Lose Momentum (And How to Get It Back)

If you’ve ever wondered why we lose momentum—especially during busy seasons—you’re not alone. Most people think it’s a motivation problem. It’s not. It’s almost always because our nervous system gets overwhelmed and our routines get disrupted.

The good news? You can rebuild momentum gently, without overhauling your entire life.

Here are the reasons we lose momentum—and some simple ways to get it back.

1. Your Nervous System Is Overloaded

Stress, social events, decision fatigue, routines being thrown off… your nervous system feels all of it. When it’s overwhelmed, even small habits feel hard.

This isn’t about willpower. It’s biology.

2. We Try to Change Everything at Once

When we feel “off,” we often swing toward big, dramatic solutions:

• New diet

• New routine

• New rules

• “Starting Monday”

But big changes require a calm system, and most of us don’t have that this time of year. Momentum comes from smaller steps, not massive overhauls.

3. Tiny Daily Choices Add Up

Just like small choices can make us feel worse over time, small choices can help us feel better.1% shifts are the secret.

• One extra glass of water

• A few deep breaths

• Five minutes of stretching

• A walk around the block

  
  

These are the kinds of choices that restore momentum gently.

A Real-Life Example: How I Stay Steady During the Holidays

The holiday season always brings some of my absolute favorite foods — and many of them are things I don’t typically eat much of the rest of the year. Think twice-baked potatoes, stuffing, candied nuts, chocolates, cookies clients gift me…and pie.

Pumpkin pie, sugar cream pie, apple pie — I love pie.

Most of the time, I eat a plant-forward, lower-carb style of eating because it helps me feel my best. But when the holidays roll around, I let myself enjoy the foods that come with tradition and love.

Here’s how I stay connected to what makes me feel good without feeling restricted or losing momentum entirely:

• I start my day the same way, no matter what. My breakfast doesn’t change: cottage cheese, organic blueberries, toasted walnuts, and a cup of English breakfast tea. It grounds me and helps the whole day feel steady.

  
  

• I begin holiday meals with vegetables. It’s simple, but loading my plate with something light and colorful first helps me feel nourished and prevents that overly-heavy feeling later.

  
  

• I fully enjoy the foods I love. Yes to the potatoes. Yes to dessert. When nothing is “off-limits,” I don’t spiral — I savor.

  
  

• The next day, I return to my normal meals. A bowl of homemade soup, a salad — whatever makes my body feel good again. And if there’s pie left, I have a slice and move on.

  
  

• I stay aware of how food makes me feel. Because I don’t eat much sugar regularly, it hits me quickly. That awareness naturally guides my choices.

  
  

• I share the treats. When someone brings a plate of cookies, I put them out for visitors instead of making my own batch.

  
  

This is how momentum actually works in real life:

small choices, gentle awareness, and flexibility — not perfection.

If you want more ideas like this, you can also read my post on Holiday Self-Care Tips.

If You’re Feeling Off Track, You’re Not Failing

Momentum is something we rebuild, not something we magically “have.”

Next week, I’ll be sharing a free 5-Day Feel-Good Reset to help you ease back into healthy habits with simple, 10-minute daily practices. If you’re craving a fresh start without pressure, you’ll love this.