On Building Habits That Last
2024-12-10
Most people think they need more discipline to build better habits. They assume successful people have superhuman willpower. This is wrong.
The most successful people I know aren’t more disciplined—they’ve just designed systems that make good choices automatic.
Design Your Environment
Your environment shapes behavior more than intentions do. Want to read more? Place books everywhere and remove your phone charger from your bedroom. Want to eat healthier? Stock your fridge with vegetables and stop buying junk food.
The goal isn’t to resist temptation—it’s to design life so the right choice is the easy choice.
Start Ridiculously Small
Most people start too big: 30 minutes of meditation, 2 hours at the gym, 1000 words daily. Instead, begin with 2 minutes, 5 push-ups, or a single sentence.
Even better—make it microscopic:
- Don’t aim to “write every day.” Aim to just write down the first word.
- Don’t aim to “lose 20 pounds.” Aim to put on your gym clothes and step outside.
The point is to prove to yourself that you’re the kind of person who shows up. Once identity takes root, scaling up becomes natural.
Identity Over Outcomes
Lasting habits come from identity. If you see yourself as someone who tries to quit drinking, you’re still identifying with alcohol. Instead: I don’t drink.
The same shift applies everywhere. It’s not “I’m trying to exercise.” It’s “I’m an athlete.” Identity makes the behavior non-negotiable.
Systems Beat Goals
Winners and losers have the same goals. What separates them is their systems.
- Don’t aim to “write a bestselling book.” Aim to just start writing every day.
- Don’t aim to “lose 20 pounds.” Aim to consistently step outside in your gym clothes.
The results will take care of themselves.