Building Better Habits: Strategies for Lasting Personal Change
Habit stacking is a powerful strategy for building new habits by "stacking" them onto existing ones. This concept, introduced by BJ Fogg in his book "Tiny Habits," and later popularized by James Clear in his bestselling book "Atomic Habits," relies on the principle of associating a new habit with a habitual action you already do.
Here's a closer look at what habit stacking is, its origins, and how it can be a game-changer in your quest for organization and productivity.
Origin of Habit Stacking
BJ Fogg, a social scientist and behavior psychologist at Stanford University, was the mind behind the concept of 'Tiny Habits.' He emphasized starting with small changes that are easy to implement. Building on this concept, James Clear introduced the term "habit stacking" in "Atomic Habits," elaborating on how to pair new habits with current behaviors.
The Mechanics of Habit Stacking
The process of habit stacking is quite elegant in its simplicity. The formula, according to James Clear, is: "After [CURRENT HABIT], I will [NEW HABIT]." For example, if you already have the habit of brushing your teeth every morning, and you want to start flossing regularly, your habit stack could be: "After I brush my teeth, I will floss."
Benefits of Habit Stacking for Organization and Productivity
- Builds on Established Habits: Since you are pairing the new habit with an existing one, it is easier to remember and maintain, thereby improving your chances of sticking to the new routine.
- Creates a Structured Routine: Habit stacking encourages a sequential order to your day, creating a structure that promotes organization and can lead to an increase in productivity.
- Encourages Consistency: By linking habits, you're creating a set of predictable actions. Consistent routines are critical for staying organized and making steady progress towards your goals.
Applying Habit Stacking to Organization
To apply habit stacking for organization, identify habits you already perform daily and see what organizational tasks can naturally follow. Some examples include:
- After I pour my morning coffee, I will spend 5 minutes planning my day.
- After I start my computer, I will clear my digital workspace of any unnecessary files.
- After I finish lunch, I will spend 10 minutes tidying up my living area or desk.
Implementing Productive Habit Stacks
For productivity, habit stacking can help you maintain focus on your tasks throughout the day. Consider these stacks:
- After I sit down at my desk, I will set a timer and work diligently for 25 minutes.
- After I attend a meeting, I will immediately jot down action items and delegate tasks.
Getting Started
To get started, write down a list of your daily habits and look for natural 'stacking' opportunities. Remember to keep the new habits as simple as possible initially. Over time, as these stacked habits become second nature, you can add more complexity or additional tasks.
Habit stacking is a seamless way to introduce order into chaos and create a disciplined framework for productivity. As Clear aptly puts it, "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." Habit stacking helps you build strong systems, ensuring that your organizational and productivity goals are not just aspirations but lived realities.
Melanie McConnell is a Professional Organizer and the owner of Mello Spaces. She helps busy professionals and parents get the organized home of their dreams. Check out her website www.mellospaces.com and follow her on Instagram: @mellospaces
Florena Davies is a Professional Organizer and Owner of Organize by Flo. She uses her experience as a wife and mother of 2 to create real life organizational systems and changes for work and home that allow our 2 worlds to co-exist and 'Flo" together. Check out her website at https://www.organizebyflo.com/ and on instagram @organizebyflo.