Foolproof formula for building habits that last

Did you know the human brain follows the law of least effort? It is wired to conserve energy wherever possible, so it will inevitably gravitate towards the easiest and most convenient option. 

In other words, we're more motivated to take the path of least resistance.

So, when it comes to building new habits, it's important to approach it with this fact in mind and do everything you can to make your habits easier and more effortless.

So let's dive into our formula to simplify and streamline your habits that will make it easier for you to uphold your habits.

For starters, every habit can be broken down into steps, even habits as simple as flossing your teeth, for example.

Before you can simplify the process, identify the steps required to complete your habit. 

Let's say the habit you want to build is journaling in the morning as soon as you wake up. Your steps may involve:

1. Get out of bed.
2. Walk downstairs to the study.
3. Sit down at your desk.
4. Find a pen.
5. Find the next blank page.
6. Start writing.

 Once you've listed out every step, ask yourself:

• How can I simplify this habit? 
• What steps can I remove? 

The goal is to make your habit as easy as possible. You want to keep it below the point where it starts to feel like a chore. So if you can reduce the steps involved, the easier it is and the more likely you are to uphold that habit.

To streamline your morning journaling habit and minimise the number of steps, you might keep the journal on your bedside table with a dedicated pen so you can journal in bed.  

When you do this, the habit simply becomes:

1. Grab the journal and pen from the bedside table.
2. Start journaling.
3. Bookmark the blank page the next page for tomorrow.

 See how much easier that is?

So when you are looking to simplify your habit, consider if you need to change the habit's location to make it more accessible.

It might be a bit of trial and error, but the goal remains the same: make your habit as easy as possible and keep it below the point where it feels like work.

If you want to dive deep into healthy habit building, download our free guide.