Top Strategies from My Favorite Habit-Building Books: Transform Your Habits, Transform Your Life
Howdy! I’m Gayleen, your productivity and wellbeing coach, here to help you become a happier, calmer, and stronger version of yourself. Whether you're plateauing with your habits, struggling to maintain them, or worried about an upcoming life event throwing you off track, you are not alone. Today, I’ll share strategies from three of my favorite habit-building books that have changed my life and helped me maintain sustainable habits for years.
My 3 Favorite Habit-Building Books
1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
2. Getting Things Done by David Allen
3. The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
These books are incredible resources that have provided me with the tools I needed to create habits that stick. Here’s how they’ve helped me, and how they can help you too.
1. Habit Stacking: Make New Habits Obvious (From Atomic Habits)
James Clear’s Atomic Habits introduces a concept called habit stacking, where you pair a new habit with an existing one. This strategy makes it easier to build new routines by connecting them with actions you already do.
Example:
If your goal is to add more movement into your day, try doing 5 squats and 5 push-ups before brushing your teeth. By linking your new habit with an established one, you create a seamless routine that adds up over time—10 squats and 10 push-ups daily!
2. Reducing Friction: Make Habits Easier to Stick (From Atomic Habits)
The second strategy also comes from Atomic Habits—the principle of reducing friction. Starting a new habit can be difficult, and excuses or obstacles often get in the way. By eliminating those barriers before it's time to perform the habit, you set yourself up for success.
Example:
When I decided to cut sugar from my diet, I minimized the sugary foods in my home. By making the decision at the grocery store, I reduced the temptation and friction of indulging at home. Now, when I crave something sugary, my options are limited, making it easier to stick to my goal.
3. Distraction Protection: Clarifying & Organizing Your Thoughts (From Getting Things Done)
David Allen’s Getting Things Done is a productivity book, but it’s also taught me valuable lessons for building habits. One of the best strategies I’ve adopted is what I call **distraction protection**. When we’re working on a new habit, distractions—like random ideas or unfinished tasks—can pop up and derail our progress.
Example:
Instead of letting these distractions pull me away, I use a capture tool to jot them down and get them out of my head. This way, I stay focused on my new habit without losing track of those thoughts. Allen’s system for organizing tasks helps me return to my habit-building with a clear mind.
4. The Power of Consistency: Long-Term Gains from Small Actions (From The Compound Effect)
In The Compound Effect, Darren Hardy explains that small, consistent actions lead to huge gains over time. The key to success is capitalizing on the time you have, even on those days when you don’t feel like sticking to your habit.
Example:
I have three versions of every habit I build:
- Budget-friendly: A quick, 1-page reading session.
- Normal: 10-15 minutes of reading.
- Luxury: A full hour of reading.
By having different versions of my habits, I can still make progress on tough days, ensuring I’m always moving forward, even if only by 0.1%.
Conclusion
These are the top strategies from my favorite habit-building books that have transformed my life. Want to learn how I implement these strategies in my daily routine? Join my free and exclusive community [link] to connect and get more insights.
Remember, I’m here to support you on your journey to becoming a happier, calmer, and stronger YOU!
Next Up: Catch the next blog post where I’ll share how I leverage my goals to create work-life balance and sustainable habits.