Why Did I Do That?

You know that feeling?

The moment after you've eaten something that doesn't align with your goals, skipped a workout you said you'd do, or let a good habit slide. That sinking, slightly miserable wave of regret that comes rushing in.

You sit with it and think: Why did I do that?
You knew what the right choice was. You’ve made it before. You want to stay consistent. And yet… here you are.

Let me just say — I understand. I’ve been there too. Many times. These decisions don’t get easier overnight, but they do get clearer with time, reflection and intention. And these moments, uncomfortable as they are, are powerful learning tools if we allow ourselves to stay curious instead of ashamed.

Here’s what I’ve learned to do when this happens — and what might help you too.

1. Don’t Judge — Observe

It’s tempting to go straight into self-blame. But beating yourself up won’t get you back on track — it just delays it.

Instead, take a moment to observe. Get honest without being harsh.

What was going on when you made that decision?
Were you tired? Stressed? Emotionally drained?
Were you acting out of habit or reacting to a trigger?

Understanding the why behind the choice is far more useful than punishing yourself for the choice itself.

2. Feel It — But Don’t Dwell on It

That uncomfortable feeling? It’s not a sign of failure — it’s a sign you care.

It means your goals matter to you. That misalignment you're feeling is your values nudging you, reminding you of the direction you want to be going. Sit with it, acknowledge it, and then let it move you forward — not hold you back.

3. Reconnect to Your Why

Willpower is unreliable on its own. But purpose? Purpose gives you power.

If you’ve found yourself slipping more than you'd like, it might be time to refresh your why. Why did you set this goal in the first place? What do you really want — and how do you want to feel day to day?

Write it down. Stick it somewhere visible. Your “why” is your anchor in moments of temptation and distraction.

4. Plan for the Next Time

The real magic isn’t in never slipping up — it’s in being ready when it happens again.. because I can guarantee it will happen again.

So ask:

What could I do differently next time?
Is there a practical change I can make? (e.g. having healthy snacks prepared, scheduling workouts earlier, or setting boundaries around stressors)
Can I create a pause between impulse and action — even just 10 seconds — to ask myself: Will this decision move me closer or further from who I want to be?

These small pauses can change everything.

5. Remind Yourself: You’re Building a Pattern, Not Perfection

One misstep doesn’t undo all your progress. It’s part of the process.

Growth looks like making the better choice more often — not every time.

And the more you reflect and learn from these moments, the stronger your decision-making muscle gets. Just like training your shoulders (my favourite) Over time they get stronger when you consistently challenge them with higher weights & more movements. If you stop, they stop growing and developing strength. Develop your decision-making muscle like you would your body. You’ll find yourself not only choosing better — but wanting better, too.

You’re Not Alone

I still have these moments. The difference now is: I know (most of the time) how to respond to them. Many factors influence our decisions hormones, environment and time but with practice they can be managed.

You are not weak. You are not broken. You’re a human navigating change — and that’s a brave, messy, worthwhile journey.

So next time you find yourself asking, “Why did I do that?”, know that the real power is in how you answer.

You've got this!

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