Why Habits Stick — Or Don't
Why Motivation Isn't Enough
4 min read
Motivation rises and falls. It's affected by sleep, stress, hormones, workload, and the weather. If a habit only happens when you feel inspired, it will always be fragile.
Systems are what carry you on the ordinary days. A system is the decision you made in advance: what you'll do, when, where, and how small it can be.
Motivation vs. system
Motivation: “I'll exercise when I feel up to it.” System: “After I drop the kids off, I walk to the end of the block and back.”
Key takeaways
- Design for your average day, not your best day.
- Decide in advance so you're not negotiating in the moment.
- Motivation is a bonus, not a requirement.
Reflect
What normally has to be true for you to follow through? Can you remove that condition?
Exercise
My Why
A why you actually believe is more useful than an impressive one.
Your answers are saved so you can return anytime.