Sticking With a Habit: Flexibility Over Routine

“Habits are the invisible architecture of everyday life.” -Gretchen Rubin

As we go about our day, there are some habits are automatic and others that are inconsistent. Building new habits or replacing old ones takes time and flexibility. Here are some strategies based on behavior design that can help you build a better day for yourself.

How to RESET a Habit

Replacing one habit for another can take some reflection. Here’s one example of a habit reset:

Habit I want to change: Snoozing the alarm and waking up later

What it gives me: A moment of comfort

How it affects me: I have less time to prepare for a good day

Habit I can replace it with: Listening to a wake-up playlist or making a special breakfast

So I will: Put together a playlist or make sure I have the groceries I need to make my breakfast

Reflect on the Habit

Self-awareness is key. Take 2 minutes at the end of a week to reflect on your habits with these simple prompts. 

Keep doing…

Stop doing…

Start doing…

NOW add a reason “why” to each of these actions as well. This will give it much more impact.

References:

Clear, James. Atomic Habits An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones. Cornerstone Digital, 2019.