Habit Stacking this New Year

The new year evokes a strange kind of anxiety for me. As someone who is constantly looking for new things to throw myself into, new ways to grow, and ways to improve throughout the year, I often feel overwhelmed by the pressure that comes with the new year to reinvent ourselves.

For 2026, I’ve decided to ditch resolutions and the idea that I need to become a completely new version of myself. Instead, I’m focusing on habit stacking.

Habit stacking is a technique used to build new habits by attaching a new skill or behavior to something you already do every day. The mantra is simple: “When _____, I will _____.”

For example, when I brush my teeth, I will practice box breathing. When I turn off my alarm in the morning, I will plan my day. When I set my alarm at night, I will write down one thing I am thankful for from the day.

At Strong Girls United, this is exactly how we think about confidence, leadership, and growth. We are not asking girls to become someone new overnight. We are teaching them how to build strength through small, intentional actions that fit into their everyday lives. Sustainable habits create confident athletes, students, and leaders.

We should always try to be better than the version of ourselves we were yesterday, but setting unrealistic expectations for ourselves or for young girls is not setting anyone up for success. Preparation and execution for sustainable results matter far more than grand changes with little to no framework.

Small changes are still changes. And over time, they build strong girls for life.
- Nicolette