Creating Good Habits #2
In Atomic Habits, James Clear describes how to create a good habit through 4 laws:
The 1st law (Cue): Make it obvious. For instance, if you want to start exercising every morning, lay out your clothes the night before. Furthermore, decide and recite that you do a certain thing at a certain place at a certain time. I get up to walk in the neighborhood at 7am. When people join any type of group, the routine and habit helps to make it stick. They might go to exercise class every Monday at 3pm. How can you make a desired habit obvious with this formula?
The 2nd law (Craving): Make it attractive. Let’s say you want to start doing brain games daily to sharpen your mind. You can make it attractive by coupling it with something else that you want to do. Such as, I’ll play my 10-minute brain game while I drink my coffee.
The 3rd law (Response): Make it easy. If you wish to start writing more thank you and encouragement notes (almost a lost art), stock up on stamps, envelopes and cards. Place them where you will see them regularly. Make it easy.
The 4th law (Reward): Make it satisfying. If you like to keep records and challenge yourself, make it a goal to complete your new habit 3, 10 or 24 days in a row. Then, create a reward for completion. Or, if you are more intrinsically motivated, take an intentional moment to smile and be proud of yourself for practicing your new habit.
Worth Repeating
The quality of your life depends on the quality of your habits.
-James Clear
