Habit 82: Do It Once A Year

02/11/25 • 13 min

Ever feel like habits have to be daily or weekly to matter? Not true! In this episode, I’m talking about how making something an annual tradition can be just as powerful when using habits the way we do...to feel and function at our best...for a lifetime. I’ll share real-life examples and how to make once-a-year habits work for your health and happiness.

Key Takeaways

Habits don’t need to be daily to count—annual habits can create a big impact with less overwhelm.
Adding meaning to annual habits helps them stick (plus, you likely already have one or two to celebrate).
A lighter, less-is-more approach to frequency might just be what you need to stay consistent.
Try using 3 plays from the abc Habit Playbook – reminders, your support squad, or your calendar to keep these habits on track.
Annual habits give you the chance to feel consistent, even when life is busy.

"Embracing habits as an annual thing can be a fun way to eventize something, put some hype behind it, and make it feel special."

DO of the DAY
Think of something you want to do, someone you want to see, or an experience you love. Decide to make it an annual habit, write it down, and start your new tradition today.
My most impactful annual habit? Deciding what support I will gift myself for the year. Join me in the CLUB here for your plan alllllll year to master your habits for autoimmune health. Plus...it's FUN to feel supported!

Take the free quiz to discover YOUR #1 Habit for Autoimmune Health
Want to take what you learn here and apply it? Join the CLUB.
Podcast Website
Sign-Up for my Daily Dose of Habits for Autoimmune Health.
Follow me on Instagram: @amybehimercoaching
Please be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! If you are feeling extra generous, rate the show and leave a review to help other find us.
The Habit Hub for Autoimmune Health (visual with descriptions)
Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, Medical Disclaimer

Send us a text

Key Takeaways

Habits don’t need to be daily to count—annual habits can create a big impact with less overwhelm.
Adding meaning to annual habits helps them stick (plus, you likely already have one or two to celebrate).
A lighter, less-is-more approach to frequency might just be what you need to stay consistent.
Try using 3 plays from the abc Habit Playbook – reminders, your support squad, or your calendar to keep these habits on track.
Annual habits give you the chance to feel consistent, even when life is busy.

"Embracing habits as an annual thing can be a fun way to eventize something, put some hype behind it, and make it feel special."

Previous Episode

Habit 81: Meet Wonderful People with Damian Washington

Send us a text

You are in for a treat—you’re about to meet a wonderful human, Damian Washington... if you haven’t already had the pleasure! He’s going to introduce himself when we get started, but I want to highlight the inspiration behind this episode’s title. It comes from Damian himself, who introduces his series with, “MS is a terrible way to meet wonderful people.” I couldn’t agree more.

When I think about finding the light in heavy situations, the people brought into my life because of it come to mind first—like you and my clients. None of us want an autoimmune diagnosis, but here we are, meeting wonderful people along the way.

What follows is a raw, real, and impromptu conversation. We dive deep into the SELF: self-love, self-trust, spending more time with yourself, and even giving yourself a nickname—which you’ll be invited to do for your DO of the DAY at the end. We also explore power, physics, and presence, and how each one contributes to living a good life.
Key Takeaways

Autoimmune Disease & Connection: “MS is a terrible way to meet wonderful people,” but it’s a reminder of the beauty that can arise from hard situations.
SELF Matters: Building self-love, self-trust, and spending intentional time with yourself are critical parts of living well.
Live by Design, Not Diagnosis: Define your life by what you can do, not what a diagnosis limits you from doing.
Terabyte Magic: Our perceptions capture only a sliver of reality; stay open to the vast opportunities around you.
Do Something for Future You: Never suppress an urge to be kind—to yourself or others.

DO of the DAY
Give yourself a nickname that lifts you up! Whether it’s “champ,” “baby,” or something personal, start using it daily to speak kindly and powerfully to yourself.
Want to spend more time with Damian? Find him on instagram here (@damianwashington)

Next Episode

Bonus: How to Handle the Uncertainty of "Is this my autoimmune disease or something else?"

Send us a text

Join me for a bonus episode where I’m in the interviewee seat once again, answering all sorts of questions about being a woman with a diagnosis. Dawn Morgan and I are diving into the uncertainty that so often comes with managing health with multiple diagnoses and an ever changing body. Whether it’s symptoms that overlap, unexpected challenges, or just not knowing exactly what’s going on in our bodies, I’ve learned that certainty isn’t always possible—but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. I’m sharing my personal journey of navigating MS, osteoporosis, and hormonal unknowns, and how shifting my mindset has helped me focus on what actually makes a difference.

Key Takeaways:

The Power of Perspective: Instead of getting stuck in the unknowns, how to focus on what I can control—nutrition, movement, rest, and mindset—all of which support my body in ways that matter.
When Symptoms Overlap: Chronic disease symptoms often mirror aging, hormonal shifts, and other conditions. Rather than chasing a perfect answer, try a new approach.
Asking Better Questions: Rather than asking “Is this MS or something else?” I’ve found it more helpful to ask, “What’s one thing I can do today to support my health?”
Advocating for Whole-Person Care: Dawn’s sharing her quest to foster a healthcare team that considers all of us—not just a certain autoimmune disease—so we can get the best possible support for our mind and bodies.
DO of the DAY: In the face of uncertainty, start a list of everything you are certain about.

The good news is, most of the things we know we should be doing to feel better will help everything—MS, aging, hormones, mindset, and beyond.

And if uncertainty is a habitual feeling...one you find yourself feeling more often than you’d like...you’re not alone. I’ll boldly claim it is a superpower of the CLUB, because I needed to figure out how to get out of uncertainty on repeat...so it’s something I got good at and it’s something I walk you through, if you’re looking for that too. Come see if the CLUB could be your plan for a taking more control of your health at www.amybehimercoaching.com/join