How to Form Automatic Habits That Stick

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How-ToFrom the source
How to Create Any New Habit in 30 Days -- Eben Pagan's systematic approach to habit formation using focused energy and environmental design

Steps

  1. Choose One Habit Only

    Select just one specific habit to focus on for the next 30 days. Do not attempt multiple habit changes simultaneously as this dilutes your willpower.

  2. Design a Specific Ritual

    Plan out the exact steps of your new habit as a ritual, including when you'll do it (preferably early in the day when willpower is strongest) and exactly what the behavior looks like.

  3. Create Environmental Triggers

    Place physical cues in your environment where you'll encounter them first thing. Put objects in doorways, on sinks, or anywhere you'll naturally run into them.

  4. Practice Daily for 30 Days

    Execute the same ritual every single day at the same time, using all your willpower focused on this one behavior until it becomes automatic.

  5. Recognize the Switch

    After several weeks, notice when the habit switches from requiring willpower to becoming an automatic pull - you'll be drawn to do it without conscious effort.

Relevant Clips2

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    How to Transform Productivity Actions into Automatic Habits -- A framework for working at the habit level to make necessary productive behaviors automatic

  • How-To

    How to Create Any New Habit in 30 Days -- Eben Pagan's systematic approach to habit formation using focused energy and environmental design