🔄
Personal Growth

The Power of Habits

by Charles Duhigg

Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

1

Identify your keystone habit

Find the core driver

Write down three daily habits you already have (e.g., brushing teeth, morning coffee, checking phone). Circle ONE that influences other behaviors positively or negatively. Focus this week on reinforcing or changing that keystone habit.

2

Create a clear cue

Design habit triggers

Choose a new habit and set a simple trigger. For example: "After I brew my morning coffee, I will write one sentence in my journal." Start today and repeat for 7 consecutive days.

3

Plan your reward

Link positive feedback

Attach a small, immediate reward to your habit. Example: after finishing your 20-minute workout, allow yourself 5 minutes of your favorite podcast. Write the reward down so you don't skip it.

4

Track your routine

Log daily consistency

Print a calendar or use an app. Every day you perform the chosen habit, mark an "X." Aim for a streak of at least 21 days. Start tracking today with your first entry.

5

Replace, don't erase

Swap bad habits

Identify one unhelpful habit (e.g., snacking late). Replace it with a healthier alternative (drink herbal tea). Write the substitute down and commit to applying it the next time the urge appears.

6

Use small wins

Scale gradually

Break a bigger goal into micro-habits. If your goal is running, start with putting on running shoes and walking 5 minutes daily this week. Increase by 2 minutes every 3 days.

7

Build social accountability

Share your progress

Tell one friend about your new habit and text them your progress daily for 14 days. Agree they will ask you if you skip a day. Start the accountability message tonight.

Tags
habitspsychologybehaviorself-improvementproductivity
The Power of Habits by Charles Duhigg | MonkAI