The Difficulty of Turning Things into a Routine

Going to the gym, swimming pool, stretching, or even trying out new hobbies… the “first step” always feels strangely heavy, doesn’t it?

So I’ve been experimenting with ways to make things easier to start. This article is my little attempt to break down that problem.

First, I tried thinking about the reasons.

Reason 1 Why Difficult Tasks Don’t Stick: You Don’t See Results Immediately

We all know things like working out, stretching, or washing the car are good for us—yet we can’t keep them going.
One major reason is that the “reward” doesn’t come right away.

You don’t get toned overnight after training, and even if you wash your car, it might rain the next day.
Future-you might benefit, but present-you… not so much.

Our brain prioritizes “things that feel good now,” so everything else gets pushed aside.

Reason 2 Why Difficult Tasks Don’t Stick: Getting Started Feels So Far Away

The common trait of all bothersome habits is that they require too much prep before starting.

• Changing into workout clothes
• Taking out and putting away gear
• Needing a shower afterward
• Feeling satisfied just by getting ready

The higher this “starting hurdle” is, the harder it becomes to keep the habit going.

Reason 1 Why Useless Routines Keep Going: Your Brain Keeps Giving You Rewards

Social media and games occasionally give you “wins”—fun posts, rare items, etc.
This triggers dopamine, making you think, “Maybe I’ll find something even better next.”

This turns your brain into a gacha machine, and suddenly you can’t find a stopping point.

Reason 2 Why Useless Routines Keep Going: They’re Too Easy to Start

SNS and games start with just one tap.
You can always use the magic excuse of “just for a moment,” and suddenly 30–60 minutes disappear.

Habits that are easy to start are also easy to continue.

So… What Should We Do Next?

Trick Yourself

To keep up with difficult habits, it’s not about “willpower”—it’s about “systems.”
Set things up so your body moves naturally.

Create Small Achievements

Start with “I tried” or “I did a little” and slowly build goals like frequency or duration.
For example, put a circle on the calendar if you completed even one task, or record how far you swam.

Lower the Starting Hurdle

Wear workout clothes in advance
Keep the exercise mat out all the time
Store car-washing tools together in one easy-to-grab spot

Instead of relying on motivation, rely on “minimal preparation.”
Count the preparation as a win, too—
For example, washing the car becomes:
1. Prepped the tools
2. Washed the car
3. Cleaned up afterward
→ All of it counts as “did the task.”

Pair It with a Useless Routine?

This one’s tough for me personally.
30 seconds of stretching before opening SNS.
10 squats before starting a game.
People say these “add-ons” are super effective, but they didn’t work for me. SNS and games start *too* quickly—there’s no gap before you tap.

Add Small Enjoyments?

Play your favorite music
Do stretches while watching videos
Buy a favorite drink as a reward for washing the car

Fun does boost consistency…
but that only works **after** you’ve already started the task.

So first, I’m focusing on ways to trigger myself to start.

Finding a Comfortable Way to Start

Once something becomes a routine, you can keep it going more easily and lightly.
I’m trying to create systems that make “things I want to do but feel too lazy to start” feel easier, little by little.
I’ll write more about finding my personal “motivation switches” soon.

I’m also trying to make hobbies easier and more enjoyable by removing friction where I can.
I’ll keep posting as I experiment—so feel free to drop by again♪

I’m not fluent in English, but I really wanted to share this story.
So I tried my best using translation tools to write this post.
If you find anything that sounds strange, unnatural, or offensive,
please let me know in the comments.
I’ll check it carefully, translate your feedback, and fix it.
Thank you for reading!