How To Leverage Habit Stacking (and a couple other pro-tips from James Clear)

[Tips and tools]

I'm an "N" in the MyersBriggs personality profile. One thing that means is that tactical things are not my best game. I guess you could say an absent-minded professor profile kind of fits when it comes to certain things. If I'm not focused the milk can be put away in the cupboard, or I may burn my hands getting things out of the oven.

I once had to have Eric turn around on the way to work because I forgot to wear shoes...

So, when it comes to remembering things that are tactical it can be tricky for people like me. It's not enough to want to add a new habit. I have to really think it through. (But then again, maybe all people are like that? I'd love to hear your thoughts.)

Habit stacking isn't new for me, but I didn't know what to call it till I read Atomic Habits by James Clear. This is a great read for anyone with a growth mindset. If you want to add something new to your life, you will need to change some things and this pathway can help.

This first happened for me when I found out I had to take medication daily. (Don't worry - it's just a thyroid thing and totally manageable.) I was petrified at first though!  How could I ever manage to remember to do something every day - especially first thing in the morning?!

Then it hit me! 

It was so simple.

I put my medication in the middle of my coffee filters! Too easy! No one has to remind me to drink coffee every day and there was my prompt every single day! 

That one worked fine so I've added a few more over the years and incorporated a few pro tips from James Clear. One tip he offers is to make the commitment micro-sized to start. 

This one is also a coffee one that I started small by drinking "some" water before coffee each day. (Okay, it started with just a sip.) But I kept at it and now Idrink a full 24 ounces before coffee every morning. I feel better and this has become the norm for me now. I hated it at first but have come to really value it and the benefits it adds to my life.

Another pro tip from Atomic Habits is to attach something you love. So another habit I have started is to read a novel while working out. (I know, I know, stationary biking doesn't really count for some of you as "working out", but I'm getting older and biking doesn't stress my joints.) Anyway, I always want to read more, so it's easier to talk myself into going after work if it has a reading bonus attached to it!

Getting the picture.

You can use this approach as a coach, or for yourself. Either way, habit stacking helps with forward movement.

Where do you want to change something in your life? How could you habit stack, use a micro-start, or add a perk?

Like in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, God expects all of us to do something with the gifts he gave us, not just to bury them in hopes of not losing them. What does that mean for you? What's your next?

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