Habit gravity: expect resistance after day three, push through it

Here's what nobody tells you about building new habits: the hardest part isn't the first day. The first day you're motivated. The hardest part is days three to ten, when your old habits fight back. I call this 'habit gravity' — the pull of your existing patterns trying to restore the status quo. Most energy is required at the beginning. To build a new routine effectively, use your limited willpower to do the same important activity at the same time every day. Protect that slot ruthlessly. After several weeks, the new routine becomes automatic and stops requiring the same willpower expenditure. Expect the resistance. Plan for it. It's not a sign you're doing it wrong — it's a sign it's working.