In our last +1, we took a quick look at James Clear’s “4 Laws of Behavior Change.”
I promised to help apply those laws to building a good habit and breaking a bad habit. We’ll build the good one today and break the bad one tomorrow.
First, I want to simplify the four laws into three—leaning back toward Charles Duhigg’s model that features three components. (Plus, Phil has sold me on the practice of always trying to think and communicate in “threes” so… 🤓)
Leaning into James’ and Charles’ wisdom, here are The 3 Laws of Creating a Great Habit.
1. Make It Obvious
2. Make It Easy
3. Make It Awesome
Now…
What’s the #1 habit you’d like to build? One that you really care about and that you think will have THE most positive impact on your life if you could (finally!) install it!
What is it?
Got it? Good.
For our purposes, let’s assume the habit you’d like to create is to meditate first thing in the morning. Let’s run it through our 3 Laws.
First, how do we make it Obvious? Well, how about we set our meditation cushion out the night before and put it in a place where we literally trip over it when we wake up and get out of the bed in the morning? (Insert workout clothes/shoes if working out is your thing.)
Second, how do we make it Easy? Well, we DON’T make it hard. We don’t tell ourselves we have to meditate for an hour. Or a half hour. Or 15 minutes or 10 minutes or even 5 minutes. We make it EASY. One minute? That’s a win. That’s Easy. That’s how we roll.
Finally, how do we make it Awesome? Easiest way? Celebrate your little micro-win. Give yourself a virtual (or real!) fist pump as you say, “’That’s like me!!!” to yourself and mark it off on your wall calendar or wherever else you keep track of streaks you’re proud of. (I literally do EXACTLY that every.single.time I do a set of burpees or my new Spartan skills stuff. “YES!!!” “That’s like me!” “Micro win, baby!!” That might sound ridiculous but you know what? It’s awesome. 😜)
Three Laws. Your #1 Habit.
1. Make It Obvious
2. Make It Easy
3. Make It Awesome
Today’s +1.
Your turn!
Three Laws. Your #1 Habit.
1. Make It Obvious
2. Make It Easy
3. Make It Awesome
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