Tricking Yourself Into Better Habits

October 8, 2022

This is a short excerpt to the 70-Day Rhythm Reboot: the workshop all about finding and sticking to habits long-term. To join Rhythm Reboot for more content like this, head to Resources.

What’s the key to habits that stick?

Making simple changes at a time.

You’re not going to wake up one day and all of a sudden be consistent with a two-hour, 10-part morning routine if you’ve never waken up at 6 AM before.

You need to make rhythmic cues that are the starting point to the habit you want to establish long-term. Twyla Tharp calls these “rituals”. When her goal was to work out every day, she didn’t put that on her habit list, instead, her ritual was to get in the car to head to the gym each morning. Before she could even think about it, she was already on her way to the gym, and the idea of working out feels less daunting and a lot easier to partake in once your cue has you halfway there!

Rhythmic cues lead you to the habit you want to create.

During Phase 2 [of Rhythm Reboot], focus on the rhythmic cues for each of your top 3 categories. Make your rhythmic cue…

  • Putting your workout clothes on at 6:30 AM, if your goal is to work out 5x a week.
    Sitting in your reading nook at the same time each night, if your goal is to read more books each month.
  • Put your phone on Do Not Disturb at 11 AM each day, if your goal is to be more efficient when you’re working.
  • Drink your sleepy time tea at 9 PM, if your goal is to wind down earlier in the night.
    Meal prep on Sundays, if your goal is to eat healthier (and/or eat out less).

Did you notice anything else about those goals? They’re time/day specific.

According to James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, “Research has shown that you are 2x to 3x more likely to stick with your habits if you make a specific plan for when, where, and how you will perform the behavior….”

When you start to write out your goals, make them specific, simple, and rhythmic cues that lead you to your bigger goals. YOU GOT IT. Join Rhythm Reboot to do this sustainably!

Productivity