Just a minute
Forget complex systems and iron willpower. Building lasting habits comes down to two simple steps: creating reliable triggers and starting impossibly small. Here's how to make it work.
Want to build a new habit? Forget willpower. Here's a simpler way.
Step one: Create a trigger. Your brain needs a reliable prompt - a daily checklist, a phone reminder, or a visual cue. Without it, even your best intentions fade.
Step two: Start ridiculously small. Want to floss? Start with one tooth. Planning to exercise? Commit to one push-up. Your brain's natural completion bias will often push you to do more.
This method works because it removes two major roadblocks: forgetting and resistance. When you make the starting point absurdly easy, you strip away the intimidation factor. One push-up feels less daunting than a full workout.
Think of habit-building like planting a garden. You don't need perfect soil or expensive tools. You just need to show up daily with a watering can.
Consistency beats intensity every time.