I have a quick tip for you today that could be a total game-changer for you.
If you are trying to create a new habit (aren’t we all?), I’m 99.999% this tip will help. It works because it couldn’t be any simpler.
it’s an “anchoring” technique developed by Dr Fogg of Stanford University, along with his system of “Tiny Habits®” which has helped thousands of people to change their behavior. I interviewed Dr. Fogg for my book, Forty Daze: A Quest for Self-Improvement.
This is a no-brainer way to create a new habit in your life – pretty much any habit. All you do is ‘anchor’ whatever habit you’re trying to create on top of an activity that you already do every day.
For example, when you brush your teeth every morning, all you would do is add another habit on top of that (like taking vitamins).
Or … doing the dishes immediately after eating dinner each night, and then (bonus!) going on a short walk, which studies show helps to manage blood sugar and improve your digestion.
Eventually, every time you do your ‘regular’ activity (like brushing your teeth or eating dinner), you don’t even think about doing the ‘stacked’ or anchored activity because it becomes automatic.
In my opinion. I’d just start with one habit at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed or end up with an hour-long routine you have to go through before you go to bed.
Do you have a new habit you’re trying to create? Give some thought today about how you can ‘stack’ it with an activity you already do. Here are a couple of ideas:
- If you’re trying to get back into your workouts, every night put your gym bag by your door right after you brush your teeth.
- If you’re trying to eat healthier, plan the next day’s meals (including healthy snacks) the night before, just after you eat dinner.
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What is one habit you can commit to this week? What will you anchor it to?
