Starting Back Up After a Long Break: How to Get Back on Track

We’ve all been there. You start something with enthusiasm, commit to doing it regularly, and then… life happens. One skipped day turns into two, then a week, then suddenly you’re looking back, wondering how months have passed without any progress.

The good news? You can start again. The bad news? It’s not always easy. But if you’ve been struggling to get back into a routine—whether it’s exercising, writing, working on a business, or anything else—you’re not alone. And I’ve got some simple steps to help you restart.

The Hardest Part: Just Beginning Again

Starting back up after a long break can feel overwhelming. Your mind convinces you that since you’ve been off track for so long, it’s going to be extra difficult to get back on. But let me remind you:

👉 Time compounds—both in a good way and a bad way. If you had been working on your goal for the past four months, imagine how far you’d be. But also, four months from today, you could be looking back feeling grateful you restarted now.

Why Did You Stop? (And Why That Doesn't Matter)

Sometimes, we take breaks because we get busy. Other times, it’s because we lose motivation, get sick, or simply fall out of routine. And that’s okay.

For me, I had built a great habit of running three times a week. I wasn’t one of those people who loved it—but I was doing it. Then I skipped a day. Then another. Then I got sick. And suddenly, running wasn’t part of my life anymore.

The truth? It doesn’t really matter why you stopped. What matters is that you start again.

How to Restart After a Long Break

1. Commit to ONE Small Action Today

Forget about tomorrow, next week, or next month. Just do one thing today.

📌 Want to get back into writing? Write one paragraph.
📌 Trying to exercise again? Go for a 10-minute walk.
📌 Picking up a business project? Open your laptop and send one email.

Focus only on today. This concept of “day-tight containers” (from How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie) is life-changing. Instead of stressing about the big picture, just handle today.

2. Change Your Environment

Sometimes, all you need is a refresh.

🏠 Rearrange your workspace. Move your desk, declutter, or add a new decoration.
👕 Clean out your closet. A fresh start physically can create a fresh mindset.
🌿 Switch up your surroundings. Work from a coffee shop, a different room, or even just face a new direction.

When I was struggling to get back into work mode after a break, I moved my desk just three feet. It instantly felt like a brand-new space and got me re-energized.

3. Remember, It’s NOT Supposed to Be Easy

If starting again feels hard, that’s normal. If it were easy, everyone would do it.

I used to get discouraged when I saw people talking about how much they loved working out, as if it was the easiest thing in the world. But I had to remind myself—it’s okay if I don’t love it. What matters is that I show up anyway.

Don’t expect motivation to magically appear. Instead, build discipline by taking action, even when you don’t feel like it.

4. Stop Worrying About How Far You Have to Go

One of my favorite Bible verses reminds me of this:

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" – Luke 12:25

We waste so much energy worrying about the future when all we really need to do is focus on today.

So, instead of stressing about how long it will take to get back on track, just take one step. Then another. And soon, you’ll be in motion again.

Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection

If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect” moment to restart, this is it. Don’t overcomplicate it. Just take one action today, and watch how momentum builds.

💬 What’s one thing you’re restarting? Drop a comment—I’d love to cheer you on!