The Commitment Lifecycle: Why Falling Off Track Is Part of the Process

Can I let you in on a little secret?

Whether you’re just getting started or you’re a seasoned pro, the same principle applies to everyone when it comes to progress:

Discipline, consistency, habit… lapse. It’s a cycle. A Commitment Lifecycle.

Here’s how it works:

When you start something new, especially something challenging, it takes discipline. That initial push requires effort, and maybe a bit of discomfort. But stick with it, and you’ll begin to build consistency. Show up, day after day, and soon enough, that new behaviour becomes a habit.

This is the sweet spot. It feels easy. You’re flowing. You might even feel like this version of you is locked in forever.

But here’s the truth: it’s not. Sorry.

At some point, there will be a lapse, and that’s OK. Maybe it’s a holiday, a hectic week at work, or just life doing what life does. The habit breaks, and suddenly, that momentum you built feels distant.

This is where most people stumble. Not because they lapsed, but because they didn’t expect to.

The key isn’t to avoid lapses. The key is to recognise them quickly, and respond with discipline, even in small doses. That’s how you jump back into the cycle and regain your flow.

And remember: you don’t have to do it alone. Ask for help. That’s what great coaching and a strong community, like the one here at JWC is for.