How Do I Get Started with a Routine That Sticks?

Author

Jason Reed
April 09, 2025

Hey Friends!

One of the most common questions I hear after 26 years of teaching isn’t about techniques or training secrets. It’s simpler: “How do I actually stick with this?” 💪 Whether it’s martial arts, strength training, or any habit—starting feels easy, staying committed is tough. I’ve coached thousands of students and kept my own training alive for 37 years, and I’ve cracked the code on consistency.

My September 2023 wake-up call taught me this the hard way. A hospital scare flipped everything—I had to rebuild my approach to health. It’s not just about physical fitness—it’s about systems that work when motivation fades. Random efforts? Random results. Here’s my 8-step system:

  1. Assess Your Current Reality 🔍

    • Be brutally honest—where are you starting?

    • What’s working that you can build on?

    • What’s holding you back—energy, time, focus?

  2. Define Your Specific Outcome

    • Picture success—what’s it look like?

    • Make it clear—how’ll you know you’re there?

    • Set a target that pulls you forward.

  3. Find Your Deep Why ❤️

    • Surface reasons quit; deep ones last.

    • Kids? Health? Self-respect—what drives you?

    • Stronger why, stronger follow-through.

  4. Choose One Focus Area

    • Changing everything flops—pick one.

    • Martial arts, strength, nutrition—what’s yours?

    • Master it, then grow.

  5. Design Your Daily Choices

    • What do you start—push-ups, saving cash?

    • What do you stop—scrolling, junk food?

    • What do you tweak—wake-up time, stress management?

  6. Create Environmental Triggers ⏰

    • When’s it happen—6 AM, after work?

    • Where’s your spot—home, kitchen, gym?

    • How long—start small, just 5 minutes?

  7. Anticipate Obstacles

    • What’ll trip you—time, kids, doubt?

    • If-then plans—got a fix ready?

    • Backup options—life happens.

  8. Build Your Support System 🤝

    • Who’s your backup—friend, family?

    • Teachers, books, YouTube—what’s your push?

    • I use tools like Sunsama—keeps me sharp.

My unfair advantage? Sunsama—$20/month that runs my life, tracks my system of 8 steps, keeps me focused when distractions hit. After 37 years testing systems, it’s the best.

Next Friday, I’ll share how I bounce back after falling off—because it happens to us all. Grab my free Blackbelt Daily Checklist at MasterReedQuestions.com—start today. You’ve got the system—I’ve got your back. Let’s make it happen.

With love and gratitude,
 Jason Reed

P.S. What’s your biggest roadblock to sticking with it? Reply—I read every message.