Starting Something New? 3 Simple Tips to Stick With It

Whether you’re stepping into a new challenge, committing to personal growth, or leveling up your performance on the ice or field—taking action is what counts.

As we’ve said over the past few weeks: consistency is everything.

When you’re adding something new to your routine—whether it’s a workout plan, sport-specific training, or a healthier habit—the first and most important step is simply building the habit. Once you’ve made the decision to commit, it’s time to drop the negative self-talk. It might feel tough at times, but you show up anyway—because now, you do it like you love it.

Here are 3 simple tips to help you stay consistent with your new routine:

1. Start Small and Build Consistency

Don’t fall into the trap of going “all-in” right away. New habits come with their own set of challenges. Start small—choose one manageable piece of the routine, and commit to it. When things get hard (and they will), remind yourself why you started.

In those first few weeks, keep the intensity low. Even during the first month, focus on just showing up and laying the groundwork. Burning out too early is one of the biggest reasons people quit. Remember, this is a long game.

2. Set Intentions, Not Just Goals

It’s great to have goals—but when results don’t show up right away, it can get discouraging. That’s where intentions come in.

Intentions remind you why you’re doing this. They keep you grounded when progress feels slow. Goals are outcome-driven (like “lose 10 pounds” or “get faster”), but intentions are rooted in your vision and values. They give purpose to your actions, even on the hard days.

3. Expect Resistance—and Keep Going Anyway

Starting something new is hard. It’s unfamiliar, inconvenient, and often doesn’t fit easily into your current schedule. The key is to expect it—and choose to move through it. Don’t let the discomfort stop you. Let it prove to you that you’re making progress. Stay focused on your vision. Seek solutions instead of excuses. When you do that consistently, the results will come—often sooner than you think.

Starting is the hardest part. Sticking with it is the next challenge. But once the habit is in place, momentum takes over.

And you’ll be amazed at what happens next.

Written by:
Kirill Vaks
BA, CSCS

Take action… Now!

Voorhees Flyers Training center.

The Hollydell ice arena, in the main building.