Summary of <https://gretchenrubin.com/articles/how-to-change-habits-based-on-tendency/> | Approach | Additional Effective Approaches | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Following a Set Schedule:** <p> If you thrive on structure, maintaining a consistent routine—ensuring all tasks on your calendar are completed—works well for you. For instance, if you're a fan of structure, setting a specific time for daily exercise, regular meal times, and dedicated work hours can help you stay on track and maintain a sense of order in your day. | **Being Clear about Expectations:** Understand what's expected for success. To succeed, make sure you have a clear understanding of what's expected from each habit you're trying to adopt. | | | **Tracking Progress:** Use to-do lists and tracking to suit your preference. Keep track of your progress with the help of to-do lists and tools that help you monitor your habits. | | | **Combining Habits:** Enforce habits by pairing them with specific conditions. Combine your desired habits with activities you enjoy; if you like listening to music, pair it with your daily exercise routine. | | **Seeking Clarity and Understanding:** If you seek reasons, make sure you understand the purpose behind actions. You meet expectations when the purpose is clear to you. For those who value understanding, ensure you know why you're adopting a habit—knowing the reason behind it can keep you committed. For instance, if you're trying to develop a habit of meditating daily, understanding that it reduces stress and improves focus can motivate you to stick with it. | **Monitoring Progress:** Track your progress using data. Regularly monitor your progress using apps or journals to stay on top of your habit development. | | | **Customizing Habits:** Adapt habits to fit your personal traits. Tailor your habits to your unique personality traits and preferences to ensure they resonate with you. | | | **Identifying and Addressing Challenges:** Recognize and address obstacles to maintain habits. Identify potential challenges and have strategies in place to overcome them; if you struggle with morning workouts, set out your workout clothes the night before. | | **Embracing Accountability:** If you're responsive to external accountability, benefit from deadlines, oversight, and involving others in your habits. For those who find accountability helpful, set deadlines for your habits and involve a friend or family member to check in on your progress. For example, if you're working on a creative project, sharing your goals with a friend who has similar interests can help both of you stay accountable. | **Monitoring Progress:** Keep track of your behavior to reinforce accountability. Regularly check in with your progress to maintain a sense of accountability. | | | **Considering Social Influence:** Pay attention to the impact of others on your actions. Surround yourself with individuals who support your habits or find an accountability partner to keep you on track. | | | **Rewarding Yourself:** Use treats to prevent burnout and stay committed. As a reward for completing a challenging task, treat yourself to something enjoyable, like watching your favorite TV show. | | **Connecting with Self-Identity:** If you prioritize self-identity, adopt habits that align with it. Resist expectations that don't resonate with your identity. Stay true to yourself by adopting habits that reflect your values and interests. If you value creativity, consider incorporating creative activities into your routine. For instance, if you're passionate about photography, dedicate time each day to take and edit photos. | **Understanding Personal Value:** Clear value drives successful habit adoption. Understand why each habit matters to you personally; this can motivate you to stick with them. | | | **Embracing Spontaneity:** Act impulsively when motivated to stay on track. If you suddenly feel a burst of energy, channel it into a productive habit like decluttering a small space in your home. | | | **Seeking Inspiration from Others:** Find motivation in being unique to maintain habits. Draw inspiration from others who have successful habits but remember to tailor them to your own preferences and needs. |