How to Start Again: 6 Ways to Rebuild Your Routine and Get Back on Track

Feeling stuck in a rut? Lost your momentum after a big life change? You're not alone. Here's how to restart your routine and reclaim your sense of purpose.

The Reality of Starting Over

Life has a way of throwing curveballs that completely derail our carefully crafted routines. Whether it's moving to a new place, ending the summer season, or simply finding yourself in a funk, that feeling of being "off-kilter" is more common than you might think.

The truth is, getting back into a routine isn't easy—it's just simple. There's a difference between the two, and understanding this distinction is crucial for anyone looking to restart their habits and rebuild their momentum.

Why Routines Matter (And Why They're So Hard to Rebuild)

When we lose our routine, we don't just lose structure—we lose the small daily wins that make us feel accomplished and confident. Those morning walks, gym sessions, cooking healthy meals, and evening wind-down rituals aren't just activities; they're the building blocks of our identity and well-being.

The challenge comes when we try to restart after a break. Just like returning to the gym after a few weeks off, everything feels harder than it should. Your muscles are sore, your motivation is low, and that voice in your head questions whether you can really get back to where you were.

Here's the key insight: It doesn't get easier—you just get stronger through consistency.

The 6 Ways to Start Again

1. Start with a List of What You DID Do

Instead of focusing on your failures, flip the script. Make a list of everything you accomplished, no matter how small. If your list feels short, put down the pen and go do one simple task right now:

• Organize that pile of cords you've been stepping over

• Respond to an email you've been avoiding

• Put those toiletries in the bin where they belong

• Fold the clothes on your floor

These quick wins add momentum and shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance.

2. Choose Two or Three Feel-Good Activities

Pick things you're genuinely looking forward to—not just tasks that need doing. This could be:

• Starting that book everyone's talking about

• Trying a new recipe

• Watching an episode of a show you've been meaning to catch

• Calling a friend you haven't spoken to in a while

The goal is to remember that life includes enjoyment, not just productivity.

3. Call Someone You Care About

Actually pick up the phone and call two people. Not text—call. Whether it's your mom, a friend, or your grandparents, real conversation has a way of grounding you and providing perspective that social media scrolling simply can't match.

4. Add Something New to Your Routine

Since you're starting again anyway, why not upgrade your routine? This is your chance to try something you've always wanted to do but convinced yourself wasn't "for you."

Challenge those limiting beliefs:

• "I'm not strong" → Start lifting weights

• "I can't cook" → Buy a cookbook and try one recipe

• "I'll never find a better job" → Start interviewing

Just because you've held a belief about yourself doesn't mean it has to stay true forever.

5. Bring Back Something You Dropped

This is the "again" part of starting again. What activity brought you joy that you've let slip away? Maybe it's:

• Playing an instrument

• Writing in a journal

• Drawing or painting

• A sport you used to love

Reconnecting with past interests can reignite passion and remind you of who you are beyond your current circumstances.

6. Get Outside

Step outside of wherever you are. Take a walk, breathe fresh air, and get out of your head. Put on music, a podcast, or just enjoy the silence. Sometimes the simplest reset is also the most powerful.

The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

Just because you failed today doesn't mean you can't succeed tomorrow. And if tomorrow doesn't go as planned, that doesn't rule out the day after either.

The power lies in showing up consistently, especially when each day feels like day one. You're not trying to get back to exactly where you were—you're building something new and potentially even better.

Moving Forward: Consistency Over Perfection

Starting again isn't about achieving instant results or returning to peak performance immediately. It's about:

• Showing up even when you don't feel like it

• Accepting that some days will be harder than others

• Recognizing that feeling "off" is temporary and normal

• Understanding that growth happens through consistency, not perfection

Your Next Steps

Choose one of these six strategies and implement it today. Don't wait for Monday, don't wait for next month, don't wait until you "feel ready." Start now, start small, and start again.

Remember: You can always start again. This option is available to you every single day, no matter how far off track you've gotten or how long it's been since you felt like yourself.

The routine you build after starting again might just be better than the one you had before. Different colors in the picture don't mean you won't like the final result—sometimes change leads to something even more beautiful.

Listen to the Full Episode

This blog post is based on an episode from Guyset: A Guy's Guide to What Should Be Talked About, hosted by Josh Felgoise. For the complete conversation and more insights on navigating life in your twenties, you can find the full episode on:

• YouTube: Search for "Guyset" or visit the Guyset channel

• Instagram & TikTok: @theguyset

• Website: guyset.com

• Email: josh@guyset.com

New episodes drop every Tuesday, covering topics that matter to guys in their twenties and beyond.

What's one thing from your old routine that you want to bring back? What's one new thing you've always wanted to try? Start there, and start today.