56. The Real Reason Your Routines Fall Apart (And What to Do Instead) with Ana Builds Habits

If you've ever started a new habit with the best intentions — only to watch it fall apart two weeks later — this episode is going to hit different. I sat down with Ana Cordera, the NYC-based creator and speaker behind Ana Builds Habits, and honestly? I felt like I was getting free therapy the entire time.Ana breaks down why most habits don't stick (spoiler: it has nothing to do with discipline or willpower) and what you actually need to do first, before you build a single routine. We get into identity, perfectionism, the messy middle of building a creator brand while working a 9-to-5, and what Coco Gauff writing "I will win the French Open" the night before she actually won has to do with your creative journey.— Introducing: Ana Cordera!— Why habits really fail (it's an identity problem, not a discipline problem)— The running story: how Ana learned to commit to a new identity— Growing up across multiple countries & how structure became both a superpower and a trap— Taking $10K worth of coaching — and the real shift that finally clicked— The tactical moves that helped Ana claim the identity of a creator— The mindset coach question that moves you out of overthinking and into action — Coco Gauff, the French Open, and reverse-engineering your success through identity— What Ana's week actually looks like: balancing a 9-to-5, wedding planning & a creator brand— How to build a household that actually works when two people have different work styles— The habit that surprised Ana the most: Alyssa Liu and the joy of the process— What people romanticize about being a content creator (and the real difference between influencers vs. creators)— Unfavorable habits Ana has had to break — including one that's still a work in progress— Why rest is Ana's hardest habit to build (especially living in NYC)— How to schedule a doom-scrolling session (yes, really — and it works)— What to do when confidence and doubt show up at the same time— Using a physical challenge to build confidence in a totally different area of your life— How Ana recharges creativity when she hits a wall— Rapid fire: the messiest thing about Ana— What Ana is still figuring out: learning to let go of the outcome— What Ana is most excited about right now (personally & professionally)✨Connect with Ana✨@anabuildshabits | Keep up with Ana on LinkedIn✨Connect with Maddie✨Explore Maddie’s Website | @messywithmaddie