Most nights after a long shower, I slip into sweatpants, recline on my sofa, open my laptop, and turn on Billie Holiday Pandora.
Then, I write my blog post.
This series of habits triggers me to write. I’ve established a groove of expected behaviors to the point that it feels strange to not complete the routine.
It’s really useful to identify/create micro-habits to associate with completing a desired activity. Another: I place my gym shorts on my bed before I go to work. Then when I get home, I immediately change into them. Wearing gym shorts then triggers me to get excited to go workout (rock climb or yoga usually).
And getting excited about the greater activity is crucial. You can’t sustainably force yourself to implement habits. You need to derive intrinsic value out of them.
But associated triggers, as articulated in The Power of Habit, can be very effective in continuing desired habits.
And Billie Holiday’s sweet, sweet voice is a pretty awesome trigger.
What habits will you create?
JB
