Have you ever promised yourself: “Kal se no sweets/junk, only healthy khana,”…and the very next day you’re sitting with a bowl of halwa or chips wondering what just happened?

You’re not alone. We often think we lack willpower. But the truth is, our surroundings often overpower our intentions.

If you’re constantly struggling to stay on track, it’s not always a motivation issue—it could just be an environment issue.

Let me share a few real stories and reflections that’ll help you see this in your own life too.

MOM’S RECOVERY…..

Recently my mother-in-law underwent knee surgery and everyone kept telling her, “Willpower rakho, himmat rakho. You’ll bounce back quickly.” And she really did. She stayed cheerful, did her physio exercises diligently, and kept a positive mindset.

One key recommendation from the doctor made a real difference. “Walk in water—it’ll ease the pressure on your knees.” Luckily, our society has a swimming pool. That single factor—having a pool nearby—made it easier for her to follow through on this advice. No need to travel, no delays, no excuses. Just the right environment.

Now imagine if the pool was 30 minutes away. Would this water-walking routine have continued consistently? Probably not.

Even small things mattered—like picking hours when the pool wasn’t crowded. Otherwise, she’d feel self-conscious or get distracted.

This taught me, willpower matters, but the right setting makes it sustainable.

I just remembered a dialogue in hindi, “Galat mahaul mein, sahi niyat bhi kaam nahi karti.”(In the wrong environment, even the best intentions lose their strength.)

THE KITCHEN…. TRAP

I once tried giving up sugar. Strong willpower, motivation, the whole thing. But every time I entered the kitchen, a dairy milk and 5-stars, and rasgullas would stare at me. How long can you say “no” when temptation lives in your fridge and on your dining table? Eventually, I gave in. And I felt guilty, as if I lacked control.

But now I know better, I didn’t fail….. my environment failed me.

Tiny tweak : I started storing indulgent treats in an opaque box, inside a high shelf. Not in plain sight. Guess what? I reached for them far less often.

Affirmation : “I set myself up to succeed.”

Reflection Prompt : What’s one unhealthy item you can move out of sight today?

THE PHONE…. THAT STEALS THE TIME

You sit down to focus—maybe to work, meditate, or read. But one ping, one meme, one forwarded video… and suddenly, you’ve lost 45 minutes. Sound familiar?

Our phones are powerful—but so is our environment. When I started keeping my phone in another room during work time, magic happened. No superhuman willpower needed. Just a small environmental change.

Affirmation : “I protect my energy from digital noise.”

Reflection Prompt : Can you create a phone-free hour in your day today?

THE GYM …….

There was a time I paid for a fancy gym across town. It was perfect in theory—but waking up early, getting ready, and traveling there? It was too much friction. Eventually, I quit. Then I discovered 15-minute yoga videos on YouTube. I started doing them in my room, in pyjamas. No excuses. No travel. Just movement.

Lesson learned : The best workout is the one you can actually do—again and again.

Affirmation: “I honour progress over perfection.”

Reflection Prompt : Can you bring your fitness practice closer to home—physically or mentally?

CHILDREN ……….

Have you seen children trying to study near a TV, or in a noisy living room? Even the brightest child can’t concentrate there.

Take the same child to a quiet room or library—and suddenly, they’re quiet, focused. Same child. Same brain. Different environment. As adults, we’re no different.

FRIENDS…… CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE

I had a lovely friend who’d message, “Let’s go for dosa!” every other day. And I’d go. Every time. My health and wallet both started complaining.

Eventually, I began choosing to spend more time with people who enjoyed walks, ideas, or even just simple chai with heartful conversations. Your environment isn’t just physical—it’s social too.

Affirmation: “I choose relationships that nourish my goals.”

Reflection Prompt: Who in your circle makes healthy living feel natural?

So, Ask Yourself This:

Have you aligned your environment with your goals? Or are you depending only on willpower to carry you through?

Because here’s the truth : You don’t rise to the level of your motivation—you fall to the level of your environment. And that’s actually good news. Because your environment is changeable.

You can:

• Rearrange your kitchen

• Silence your notifications

• Set up a peaceful corner to work or meditate

• Change your route to avoid that snack shop

• Hang out with people who energize you

These tiny shifts create massive impact.

The 3-Day “Environment Reset” Challenge

Let’s make this practical. Try this for the next 3 days :

Day 1: Remove 3 distractions from your space (phone apps, snack jars, visual clutter)

Day 2: Add one element that supports your goal (yoga mat in sight, water bottle on desk, affirmations on mirror)

Day 3: Spend time with one person who motivates or calms you

Small changes. Big shift.

Final Thought

If you’re struggling with a habit, a goal, or a dream—don’t just push harder. Step back and check your surroundings.

Ask:

• Is my space supporting me?

• Are my tools accessible?

• Is my social circle aligned with who I want to become?

You are not weak. You are not lazy. Even the strongest swimmer can’t move forward in a storm. Change the current. Change the water. And suddenly, movement feels natural.

Share This With Someone You Love

Send this blog to someone who’s working on a goal. Sometimes, the best help isn’t motivation—it’s a reminder to shift the space around us. And if this resonated with you, leave a comment : What’s one change you’re making to your environment this week?

Let’s grow together.