The Power of Habit Building
In high school, I was labeled a genius. But looking back, my success wasn’t due to intelligence. It came from one simple habit: sitting down and studying consistently. I wasn’t smarter—I was persistent. This proves that success isn’t about talent; it’s about habits.
Whether it's studying, working out, or mastering a skill, habits are the building blocks of success. But the real challenge lies in forming habits that stick. The good news? Habit building is a skill you can learn.
What Is a Habit Builder?
A Habit Builder is a tool, strategy, or app designed to help you develop positive habits. However, the key to success lies not just in action but in understanding and reshaping the underlying patterns driving those actions.
Pattern vs. Habit: Understanding the Difference
Before diving into habit-building strategies, let’s get clear on two key terms:
- Pattern: An emotional or thought response shaped by past experiences.
- Habit: A repetitive action triggered by those patterns.
Think of a pattern as the foundation beneath the surface, like the base of an iceberg. The habit is the visible tip. Patterns shape our automatic reactions and emotions, while habits dictate the actions we take without conscious effort.
For example:
- Pattern: Self-doubt triggered by someone not texting me back.
- Habit: Constantly checking your phone hoping for that text back.
To break or form habits, you must first understand the patterns behind them.
Why Habit Building Is Hard
Building habits is about repetition. Yet, many people struggle because of mental roadblocks. According to Daniel Kahneman, our brains operate in two modes:
- Fast Thinking: Quick decisions based on existing patterns.
- Slow Thinking: Thoughtful processing needed for forming new habits.
Since habit-building requires slow thinking, it’s no surprise that breaking old habits or forming new ones is challenging. But with the right strategies, it’s possible to build habits that stick.
How to Build Habits That Stick
Step 1: Define Your "Why"
Start by clarifying why you want to build this habit:
- Is it part of a bigger life goal?
- How will your life improve once this habit becomes automatic?
- What will happen if you don’t develop it?
Without a strong reason, motivation fades. For example:
- If you want to eat healthier, but your reason is weak, the smell of pizza will tempt you.
- If you want to work out but lack a compelling reason, bad weather will be an excuse.
Pro Tip: Write down your “why” and place it somewhere visible. It will remind you why this habit matters when motivation is low.
Step 2: Create an Action Plan
Once your “why” is clear, make a step-by-step action plan. Habits don’t form overnight. Just like learning to ride a bicycle starts with training wheels, successful habits start small and grow gradually.
Your action plan should include:
- Small, Achievable Goals: Start small to avoid burnout.
- Scheduled Time: Dedicate a specific time for the habit.
- Tracking Progress: Use a habit tracker or journal.
Example:
- If you want to develop a reading habit, start with just 5 minutes a day. Once it feels automatic, increase to 10 minutes, then 20.
Pro Tip: Apps like Mind Check help track progress and keep you accountable.
Step 3: Identify Your "Why Not"
What mental roadblocks might sabotage your progress? These negative patterns include:
- “I can’t do this.”
- “It’s pointless.”
- “I don’t deserve success.”
These thoughts aren’t reality—they’re patterns formed by past experiences. To overcome them:
- Awareness: Recognize these limiting beliefs when they appear.
- Counter Thoughts: Replace them with empowering beliefs.
Example:
- Change “I can’t do this” to “I’m learning, and it’s okay to make mistakes.”
If you struggle with repetitive negative thoughts, check out my article on Overcoming Overthinking for more strategies.
Step 4: Just Do It (And Keep Doing It)
The most crucial step is consistent action. No plan or motivation can replace persistence. Walls will appear, but persistence breaks them down.
- Commit to your habit every day, even when it’s hard.
- Accept setbacks as part of the process, not a failure.
- Keep moving forward, no matter how small the step.
As Napoleon Hill said:
"Those who have cultivated the habit of persistence seem to enjoy insurance against failure."
This principle applies to habit-building as well. Action, no matter how small, compounds over time.
Final Thoughts: The Role of Habit Builders
Habit-building tools and apps (like Mind Check) are great, but they’re most effective when combined with:
- A strong “why”
- A clear action plan
- Awareness of negative patterns
Whether you want to get healthier, save money, or master a new skill, the secret is repetition, awareness, and persistence.
Start today. Pick one habit, follow these steps, and watch how you transform your life.