What Is Habit Stacking?

Habit stacking is a simple yet powerful strategy for building new habits by linking them to existing ones. It's like a game of Tetris – you slot the new habit into your already established routine, creating a solid foundation for it to build upon. By doing this, you can easily remember to perform the new habit because it becomes a part of your daily routine.

But why does habit stacking work? The science behind it has to do with the way our brains are wired. When we perform a behavior repeatedly, it becomes automatic, or a habit. This is due to the creation of neural pathways in the brain – the more we perform a behavior, the stronger these pathways become, making it easier for us to perform the behavior again in the future.

Habit stacking takes advantage of this process by linking the new habit to an existing one, creating a trigger or cue for the new habit to occur. For example, if you want to develop the habit of meditating every day, you might link it to an existing habit like brushing your teeth in the morning. Now, whenever you brush your teeth, you'll be reminded to meditate as well.

How to Make Your New Habit Stick

One key to making your new habit stick is to start small. Research has shown that small, incremental changes are more effective in the long run than big, dramatic ones. This is because small changes are more manageable and sustainable, making it easier for us to stick to them. So, rather than trying to meditate for an hour every day right off the bat, start with a shorter session, like five minutes. Then, gradually increase the duration as it becomes a more established habit.

Another important factor is consistency. The more consistently we perform a behavior, the more likely it is to become a habit. This means it's important to stick with it, even when we encounter setbacks or face challenges. Think of it like training for a marathon – there will be days when you don't feel like running, but if you stick with it, you'll eventually cross the finish line.

Finally, it's important to make the habit enjoyable. If we dread performing a behavior, we're less likely to stick with it. So, try to find ways to make the new habit fun or rewarding. For example, if you're trying to develop the habit of exercising regularly, find a form of exercise that you enjoy, whether it's dancing, swimming, or hiking. Or, if you're trying to develop the habit of reading more, choose books that you're interested in and look forward to reading.

In conclusion, habit stacking is a proven strategy for building good habits that can help us achieve our goals and live a better life. By linking new habits to existing ones, starting small, being consistent, and finding ways to make the habit enjoyable, we can build strong, lasting habits that will serve us well. So, why not give it a try and see how it can help you become your best self, one incremental improvement at a time?