From Intention to Action: Making Habits Work

Why Habits, Not Hype, Drive Real Change

In learning and development, we often ask: why don’t people change, even when they want to? Katie Godden and James Poletyllo from The Learning Effect tackle this very question on the Learning Reinvented Podcast.

Katie’s personal journey—from failed fitness plans to a consistent and empowering lifestyle shift—offers more than just a success story. It’s a practical framework for how change really happens.

Starting with the Real Goal: It’s Not Just About Weight Loss

Katie didn’t just want to lose weight—she wanted to feel better, look better, and live better. But she also knew from experience that extreme training schedules and restrictive diets didn’t work.

Instead, she focused on:

• Starting gradually with Couch to 5K

• Building a routine that fit into her life

• Avoiding all-or-nothing plans

Her approach was refreshingly simple: “Start small, and stay consistent.”

From Resolutions to Results: What Made This Time Different?

The difference wasn’t willpower—it was mindset and method.

Rather than sprinting towards a vague goal, Katie set a specific target (fitting into a pair of shorts she loved), paired it with practical actions, and most importantly, allowed time. No shortcuts. No gimmicks.

Key Takeaway:

Change doesn’t come from a single action—it builds through repeated, purposeful steps.

Tools That Helped Build the Habit

Consistency was key, but the right tools helped keep things on track:

• Couch to 5K App: Provided structured progression with reminders.

• MyFitnessPal: Supported awareness around nutrition without becoming restrictive.

• Strava & iWatch: Helped track progress, which fuelled motivation through data.

• Parkrun Goals: Set clear milestones and created accountability.

  
  

Katie notes, “These tools are great, but it’s important not to let them take over. Awareness is empowering—obsession isn’t.”

What Learning Professionals Can Take from This

Katie’s journey isn’t just a health story—it’s a mirror for the learning world.

“Organisations often expect change from a single learning event,” James observes. “It’s like expecting to run a marathon after one gym session.”

Instead, learning teams should:

• Set realistic, incremental goals for behaviour change

• Support consistency with drip-fed, habit-forming learning experiences

• Personalise learning journeys so that learners have ownership and motivation

• Recognise that real learning is uncomfortable, personal, and non-linear

  
  

The Ripple Effect: When One Habit Changes Everything

Katie didn’t stop at fitness. As her energy improved, so did her productivity, mental clarity, and outlook.

• She procrastinates less

• Feels more positive about everyday tasks

• Sleeps better

• Spends more time on fulfilling activities—and less money on unnecessary nights out

This momentum led her to set a new goal: running a half marathon by the end of the year. It’s no longer just about fitness. It’s about proving to herself what’s possible.

Lessons for Anyone Trying to Change

Katie’s advice for anyone struggling to achieve their goals?

“Break it down. Make it realistic. Don’t be afraid to go back and rework your plan. You’ll get further with small wins than big promises.”

She adds: “Don’t live by the tools, but use them to guide you. Keep the end goal in sight, but enjoy the steps along the way.”

Final Thoughts: Learning Is a Lifestyle

Katie’s story shows that meaningful change doesn’t come from massive overhauls or shiny interventions. It comes from building habits you can actually stick with.

Whether you're trying to change behaviours in your business, your team, or your own life—the formula stays the same: small, consistent actions + time = transformation.

To listen to the full episode click here