Why 80% of Christians Fail at Habit Change

Introduction

 

Credit Where Credit is Due

 

First, let’s tip our hats to the wisdom of James Clear, author of the wildly popular Atomic Habits, and Jon Acuff, whose book Finish has helped many of us finally cross items off that “someday” list. Their insights have shaped this conversation; however, we’re taking it one step further by grounding our approach in faith-based habits to build habits that stick.

 

Real Change is Possible

 

Most of us have tried and failed to build better habits more times than we can count. This article explores why lasting habit change feels so elusive and how faith-centered strategies can finally help you break the cycle. You’ll discover that transformation isn’t about trying harder; it’s about building smarter with God’s grace as your foundation and His Spirit as your strength. Remember, actual habit change requires commitment and faith in the process.

Incorporating faith-based habits into our daily routines can help us solidify these changes and stay committed to our goals.

 

Let’s face it: behavior change is hard. Not just “I forgot my keys again,” hard – more like “Why am I eating cookies at midnight when I swore off sugar last week?” Studies show that about 80% of us revert to old habits rather than stick with new ones. If you’ve ever felt frustrated or defeated by this cycle, you’re in good company (and probably need fewer cookies at midnight).

Understanding the importance helps us realize that it’s a gradual process. Many people struggle with habit change, and recognizing this may provide comfort.

 

So why is lasting change so elusive? For starters, our brains love routine even when those routines aren’t doing us any favors. Add stress, relationship trouble, or a rough day to the mix, and we’re back on autopilot faster than you can say “just one more episode.”

 

Faith-Based Habit Change is Possible

 

Faith-based habit change is not just a technique; it’s a journey of deepening one’s relationship with God and recognizing that habit change starts with small, intentional steps.

Faith-based habits can serve as a reminder of our commitment to spiritual growth and connection with God.

But here’s where faith-based habit change steps in, offering something different: a deeper motivation and a source of strength beyond sheer willpower. In God’s hands, habits become more than self-improvement projects; they become daily practices of worship, surrender, and obedience.

These faith-based habits are not just about self-improvement; they are an invitation to a deeper relationship with God.

Romans 12:2 (NLT) gently nudges us:
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”

That’s not just spiritual advice; it’s practical psychology with a holy twist. Fundamental transformation begins with renewing our minds—shifting from self-reliance to dependence on God. Faith-based habit change is about more than “being disciplined”; it’s about inviting God to reshape what you love, what you think, and what you repeatedly do.

So how do we put this into action in a way that actually sticks?

 

Baby Steps

 

As you begin this process, remember that every small step you take is a step toward meaningful habit change. Celebrate these steps as victories in your journey.

Start small, really small, and start with God. James Clear calls these “atomic habits”—tiny changes that seem almost too small to matter but become powerful over time. We might call them faith-based micro-habits: little, repeatable acts of obedience that keep you close to Jesus throughout the day.

These faith-based habits help keep our minds and hearts focused on our spiritual journey.

• One verse before checking your phone each morning
• A 30-second prayer every time you get in the car
• Writing one gratitude to God before bed
• Whispering, “Lord, help me honor You in this moment” when you’re stressed

These are not just new tasks; they are mini liturgies of the heart, simple, sacred routines that reorient your attention to God. Celebrate progress—even if it feels laughably minor and remember that finishing well (thanks for the reminder, Jon Acuff!) is about consistency over perfection, primarily when your habits are rooted in God’s power and not just your own resolve.

By integrating faith-based habits into your life, you can develop a routine that honors your commitment to God.

And when setbacks happen? Don’t beat yourself up; open your Bible, talk honestly with God, and remind yourself that grace abounds even on your messiest days. Faith-based habit change isn’t about proving yourself to God—it’s about walking with God as He patiently transforms you. Invite Him into your process—not just as an accountability partner but as the One who truly changes hearts, motives, and mindsets.

You don’t have to do this alone or perfectly; you have to keep showing up—with faith, with honesty, and maybe a little humor for those inevitable cookie moments along the way.

 

Mistake #1: Trying to Change Everything at Once

 

How many times have you woken up on a Monday determined to overhaul your entire life before lunchtime? New diet. Daily Bible study. Exercise routine. Decluttering the garage and learning Greek—all before noon. It sounds ambitious and exhausting.

One of the biggest pitfalls in behavior change is the temptation to change everything overnight. The result? Burnout and frustration usually show up faster than you can say “New Year’s resolution.”

But here’s some good news (and yes, even Jesus said good news is worth sharing): fundamental transformation doesn’t happen in a flurry of grand gestures. It grows quietly through small acts of faithful obedience – faith-based habits practiced one day at a time.

BJ Fogg of Stanford University—think of him as the Solomon of habit science—suggests starting with habits so tiny they seem almost silly—Floss one tooth. Do one push-up. Read one verse.

Why does this work? Because God designed us for patience and perseverance—not perfection on day one. Scripture reminds us that steady plodding brings prosperity (Proverbs 21:5) and that fruit grows slowly but surely when we remain connected to the Vine (John 15:5).

From a faith perspective, tiny habits become daily seeds of trust:

• One short prayer when you feel anxious
• One encouraging text sent in Jesus’ name
• One worship song instead of one more negative news clip

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all you want to change or improve in your life, take heart. Start with just one small, faith-filled habit today, a baby step toward lasting growth—and trust that God will honor those humble beginnings.

When you focus on building faith-based habits, you open yourself to the transformative power of God in your life.

Remember: Rome wasn’t built in a day… and neither was the practice of habit change! Small, consistent steps lead to powerful transformations in our lives.

Philippians 4:13 (NLT) tells us, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” By shifting our focus to manageable, Christ-centered habits, we can celebrate small victories, build momentum, and create faith-based habits that stick.

Building faith-based habits strengthens our connection to Christ and cultivates resilience in our spiritual walk.

This approach emphasizes that habit change is not merely about actions but about a heart transformed through faith.

 

Bonus Solution: Identify Your Keystone Faith Habit

 

Let’s take a brief look at keystone habits, those small but mighty routines that can change everything else. Think of a keystone habit as the first domino in a long, winding line: tip it over, and transformation ripples through your life.

Identifying and committing to faith-based habits can create a foundation for effective change in other areas of your life.

And yes, you might be thinking: “Do I really have time for another habit?” But this isn’t about adding more to your plate; it’s about finding the one faith-based habit that makes everything else easier by keeping you anchored in God.

From a faith lens, a keystone habit is any repeated practice that keeps bringing you back to God’s presence and priorities. When that stays in place, other habits tend to follow.

Some examples:

• Morning prayer before coffee – centering your day on God before anything else
• Scripture before screens – a verse or chapter before you open social media or email
• Weekly worship and small group – anchoring your schedule around God and community
• An evening example – a 5-minute reflection with God on your day (Where did I notice You? Where did I resist You?)

One powerful strategy is to identify one keystone faith habit—a single behavior that triggers a chain reaction of positive change across other areas of your life. For example, if you commit to 10 minutes of morning prayer:

• • You may feel calmer and more patient with your family
  • You may become more intentional with food, time, and media

Each keystone faith habit contributes to a greater understanding of how habit change can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.

These faith-based habits can help illustrate the transformative nature of your relationship with God.

• You may find it easier to say no to distractions and yes to what matters

God designed us as whole beings—body, mind, and spirit. When we care for one part in His presence, it often spills over into others.

Faith-based habits remind us that our journey is both about the destination and the relationship we cultivate with God along the way.

Consider which slight shift could be your keystone habit of faith right now. Maybe for you it’s:

• • Morning prayer before coffee
  • An evening walk while listening to worship
  • Reading one Psalm before bed

The beauty is that God doesn’t expect perfection; He delights in progress and perseverance—even if we stumble along the way in our habit change journey.

The beauty is that God doesn’t expect perfection; He delights in progress and perseverance—even if we stumble along the way (and let’s be honest…we all do). Don’t underestimate the impact of a single faithful step. Start with one keystone habit and watch how God uses it to spark positive changes far beyond what you imagined.

Reflect on 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 (NLT):
“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training.”
By embracing discipline in your keystone faith habit, you lay a Spirit-led foundation for further growth.

 

Mistake #2: Starting with a Habit That is Too Big

 

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the prospect of adopting a grand new habit?

“This is it! I’m going to pray for an hour every morning, overhaul my diet, and read the entire Bible in three months.” It sounds holy, but it can feel impossible.

Leo Babauta offers some sage advice: “Make it so easy you can’t say no.[i]” And trust me, there’s wisdom in that. God grows us little by little, step by step (see Deuteronomy 7:22). Faith-based habits work the same way.

Start by recognizing that your first small act of habit change can set the stage for larger transformations.

Instead of promising God giant leaps you can’t sustain, offer Him small, honest, consistent steps:

• If your goal is to run, start with a 5-minute walk while praying.
• If you want deeper Bible intake, start with two verses and a simple prayer: “Lord, help me understand and obey this.”
• If you hope to pray more, set a 2-minute timer and talk to God as you would a friend.

The beauty of starting small isn’t just about tricking yourself into action—it’s about building trust in yourself and deepening your dependence on God. Every tiny, repeatable action becomes a way of saying, “Lord, I’m showing up. Meet me here.”

Remember Zechariah 4:10:
“Do not despise these small beginnings.”

Small steps are still steps forward. In God’s hands, small beginnings can lead to Spirit-powered, lasting change.

And if anyone asks why you’re “only” walking around the block or reading two pages before bed, you can smile and remember: Jesus began His ministry with twelve ordinary people—and look how that turned out.

Starting small helps us build confidence, consistency, and Christ-centered habits. As Zechariah 4:10 (NLT) says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” Every small step counts on our journey of faith and transformation.

 

Mistake #3: Seeking a Result, Not a Ritual

 

Shifting your focus to faith-based habits can help you see the beauty in the process of transformation.

How many times have we set out with the best of intentions?

• Lose ten pounds by summer.
• Read through the Bible in a year.
• Save up for that dream vacation.

 

We set our sights on the finish line, laser-focused on results, only to be discouraged when progress feels slow or life throws us a curveball.

Here’s where we get tripped up: chasing outcomes while ignoring the daily rituals that actually get us there. It’s like wanting to run a marathon but skipping every training run because you’re too busy imagining the medal.

Faith-based habit change shifts the focus from “What do I want to achieve?” to “Who am I becoming in Christ—day by day, choice by choice?”

Look at Jesus’ example. Luke 5:16 says,
“But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.”

Not just when He felt like it. Not just when things got hard. Often. Prayer was a rhythm—a holy ritual—that sustained His ministry.

If Christ Himself leaned on Spirit-led routines, how much more do we need them?

Instead of just chasing results (lose weight, read more, stress less), build faith-based rituals:

• Morning: a straightforward prayer of surrender (“Lord, this day is Yours”)
• Midday: a 3-minute pause to breathe and remember God’s presence
• Evening: a short gratitude list in a journal to recall God’s faithfulness

Make your rituals enjoyable and relational: Play worship music while you do the dishes. Enjoy your morning coffee or tea while reading a Psalm or a Proverb. Take a slow walk and talk with the Lord as if he were walking with you.

Results are great motivators—but lasting, faith-filled change comes from loving and sticking with the process. When your daily rituals are rooted in a relationship with Christ, the results become the byproduct, not the pressure.

 

Mistake #4: Not Changing Your Environment

 

Creating an environment that fosters faith-based habits is crucial for sustaining your spiritual growth.

 Trying to change your habits while your environment stays the same is like trying to bake bread in a freezer. Our surroundings quietly shape what we repeatedly do!

Scripture affirms this: “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17.

Change your surroundings to support habit change and create an environment that encourages your growth.

Who and what you keep close will either sharpen or dull your faith-based habits.

From a faith-based perspective, this means

When your environment encourages faith-based habits, it supports your journey toward spiritual maturity.

• Choosing friends who encourage your walk with God
• Limiting voices (online or in person) that constantly pull you toward comparison, compromise, and distraction
• Creating sacred spaces that make good habits easier and temptations harder

Practical ideas:

 

• Want to pray more? Set up a simple, inviting “prayer chair” with your Bible, journal, and pen already there.
• Want less mindless scrolling? Put your phone in another room during your quiet time.
• Want to read Scripture daily? Put your Bible where you’ll trip over it before you can open an app, on the nightstand, kitchen table, or even next to your coffee pot.

Sometimes, faith-based habits change can look surprisingly practical:

• Moving the cookie jar out of sight or putting your Bible or devotional where the jar used to be
• Saying “no” to a recurring event that seems to derail your Sunday worship or small group
• Rearranging a room so there’s a quiet, comfortable place to meet with God.

You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Start small but be intentional. God designed us for community and purpose, and sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is rearrange your furniture or your friendships.

 

One of the sneakiest lies we believe is: “If it’s not a big change, it doesn’t matter.” But significant habit change is almost always the result of tiny, repeated God-honoring choices made over time.

One of the sneakiest lies we believe is: “If it’s not a big change, it doesn’t matter.” But significant transformation is almost always the result of tiny, repeated God-honoring choices made over time.

Galatians 6:9 reminds us:

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up.”

Each small choice contributes to the larger picture of habit change and spiritual growth.

Those “good” things often look unimpressive in the moment:

• Choosing a softer response instead of being snappy or irritated
• Whispering a quick prayer instead of spiraling into anxiety and worry
• Reading and reflecting on Scripture instead of bingeing on another episode

 

What do you think would happen if you aimed for 1% more faithfulness today than yesterday? Pray one more time. Show one more act of kindness. Spend one more minute in the Word.

Every small act of faith-based habits can lead to significant growth in your spiritual journey.

Over time, those small faith-based choices compound. God loves to multiply loaves and fishes, and He can multiply your tiny, consistent steps into a harvest of spiritual growth.

So next time you’re tempted to dismiss your efforts as “too small,” remember: God sees every quiet, unseen act of obedience. Your small, faith-filled habits matter far more than you think.

Each step in your journey towards habit change counts and contributes to the person God is shaping you to be.

 

Building the Behavior First

 

 Most of us want the results without the messy middle. We dream of running marathons, writing that book, or finally waking before sunrise to pray and sip coffee in peace.

But lasting, faith-based change rarely starts with a grand finale. Instead of obsessing over the outcome, focus on building the behavior—especially the behavior that connects you with God.

James 1:22 (NLT) reminds us, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”

God isn’t asking for a flawless performance; He’s inviting you into faithful action, one step at a time”.

• Pray for 3 minutes, not 30
• Read a few verses, not a whole book
• Serve in one small way, not solve every problem

Each time you do, even in a small way, you reinforce the identity: “I am someone who is learning to walk with God and responds to His Word.”

Celebrate:

 

Celebrate every step of habit change, no matter how small, as they all lead you closer to the heart of God.

• Showing up today (that counts)
• Starting again after you missed yesterday (that counts even more)

 

The foundation of faith-based habits is built one brick at a time, with grace as the mortar and consistency as the builder.

 

Creating a Faith-Filled Framework for Change

 

If habit apps and sheer willpower were enough, we’d all have six-pack abs and perfectly filled prayer journals. Viable, lasting transformation needs:

 

• Practical Strategy
• Emotional Honesty
• Spiritual support

 

Faith-based habits that stick are ultimately built in partnership with God and His people.

 

Community and Fellowship: The Secret Sauce

 

Attempting to build new habits on your own is a lot like pushing a car uphill. Possible? Maybe. Wise? Not so much.

 

God designed growth to happen in community:

• Join a small group or Bible study

• Ask a trusted friend to be an accountability partner
• Share your goals and struggles honestly—no pretending, no perfection mask

Practical ideas:

• A 30-day “faith habit challenge” with your church or small group (daily Scripture, gratitude, or prayer)
• A group text where you share one thing you learned from the Word each day
• Serving together regularly, so “loving others” becomes a lived habit, not just a verse on a mug

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 reminds us:
“Two are better than one… If either of them falls, one can help the other up.”

Sometimes the most powerful faith-based habit you can build is simply not walking alone.

 

Conclusion: Trust the Process

 

Changing our habits is a journey that takes time, patience, and faith. As we embark on this path, it’s essential to remember we’re not alone. God walks with us every step of the way, guiding us through our trials and triumphs. Philippians 1:6 (NLT) beautifully expresses this assurance: “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

As you navigate the journey of habit change, lean into God’s guidance and enjoy the process of transformation.

Trust in the process as you incorporate faith-based habits into your life, knowing that God is with you every step of the way.

 

Your job is not to “fix yourself” overnight. Your role is to:

• Take small, consistent, faith-based steps
• Lean on God’s grace when you stumble
• Stay rooted in His Word, His Spirit, and His people

Every quiet prayer, every verse read, every tiny act of obedience is a brick in the life God is building in you.

Keep going. With God’s help, you’re not just forming habits—you’re being transformed.

Continue to build on your faith-based habits as they play a vital role in your spiritual journey and growth.

 

Trust that each effort in habit change is a part of your spiritual journey, bringing you closer to God.

As you move forward, remember to celebrate your progress, give thanks for the lessons learned, and seek God’s glory in every effort. Together, we can build lasting habits that glorify Him and inspire those around us to do the same.

Ultimately, habit change rooted in faith leads to a life that glorifies God and inspires those around us.

Ultimately, integrating faith-based habits leads to a more fulfilling life centered around God’s glory.

Great Links:

A New Year, a Stronger Faith: Resolutions with Purpose John’s Blog

4 Ways to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions – John’s Podcast

Next week:

5 Simple Strategies for Faith-Based Habit Change

 

About John Thurman

John Thurman is a licensed mental health professional, former Army Reserve Chaplain, and Critical Event Mental Health Provider with over 70,000 clinical hours and responses to more than 280 critical incidents spanning five decades. Drawing from personal experience with grief, trauma, and recovery—and a fifty-three-year marriage built on resilience-based principles—he writes practical, biblically grounded books that integrate cognitive behavioral therapy and positive psychology to help Christians overcome anxiety, depression, and relational struggles. His work has been featured on Focus on the Family, Inspiration.com, and Today’s Christian Woman.

When he’s not counselling, writing, or responding to crises, he pursues environmental portrait photography and serves in his church’s Men’s Ministry. He lives in Albuquerque, NM. You can contact John via email at [email protected]

 

 

[i] Babauta, Leo. 7 Little Habits That Can Change Your Life and How to Form Them. Accessed November 2024