Hey there, go-getters! 🌻
We’ve all heard that hard work pays off, but what if the key to lasting habits is making them easy? Chapter 12 of Atomic Habits reveals the third law of behavior change: “Make It Easy.”
Why Easy Wins
Clear explains that humans are wired to conserve energy. The easier something is, the more likely we are to do it.
“The less friction you face, the more likely you are to stick with good habits.”
By designing your environment and systems to reduce friction, you make it easier to build habits that last.
Practical Strategies to Simplify Habits
1. Optimize Your Environment:
- Activity: Look for ways to reduce steps or barriers to your desired habits.
- Example: Place your workout clothes next to your bed so they’re ready when you wake up.
2. Use the Two-Minute Rule:
- Activity: Start with a version of your habit that takes two minutes or less.
- Example: Instead of “Read a book,” start with “Read one page.”
3. Automate Your Habits:
- Activity: Use technology or systems to make good habits automatic.
- Example: Set up recurring transfers to your savings account.
Self-Experiment: Friction Audit
Step 1: Identify a habit you’ve struggled to start.
Step 2: Write down all the steps involved and look for ways to remove friction.
Step 3: Implement the changes and track your consistency for two weeks.
Final Thoughts
Making habits easy isn’t about avoiding effort; it’s about setting yourself up for success. Small tweaks to your environment and approach can have a massive impact.
What habit are you simplifying today? Let’s share tips in the comments!