If you want to take your career to new heights, habit stacking is a key tool in getting there.
Wall Street Journal bestselling author S.J. Scott coined the phrase’ habit stacking’ in his 2014 book, Habit Stacking: 97 Small Life Changes That Take Five Minutes or Less. The idea comes from the notion of “build[ing] routines around habits that don’t require effort” because “small wins build momentum because they’re easy to remember and complete.”
Habit stacking is a simple but incredibly effective technique to help you transform your career. And guess what? It works like a charm.
Why you should try habit stacking
Have you ever tried to add a new goal but miraculously failed to implement it within a couple of days? Yeah, me too.
Fortunately, habit stacking is a simple mind shift that makes habit formation much more manageable. When you link a new habit to an existing one, you create a trigger that reminds you to perform the new habit. This approach makes it easier to remember to do it consistently and make it a regular routine.
Incorporating this tool into your career can be extremely valuable, especially if you want to establish new routines, improve your skill sets, or be more productive. And by incorporating it into your daily routine, you can develop positive habits that can increase your career potential tenfold.
To better understand the value of habit stacking, here are three examples you can incorporate into your career.
1. Create a morning routine.
Stack a series of habits that set you up for success. For example, you could stack a morning workout on top of your daily shower. This creates a trigger that reminds you to exercise each morning and helps you establish a regular practice.
2. Build learning into your career.
To stay competitive in your career, continuing learning and growing is essential. Stack a learning habit on top of an existing habit, such as a daily commute. Use this time to listen to audiobooks or podcasts that help you stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments.
3. Create a networking rhythm.
Networking is crucial for building relationships and advancing your career. Stack a networking habit on top of an existing habit, such as your daily coffee break. Use this time to reach out to colleagues, attend networking events, or connect with new contacts on social media.
Top tips to be successful
Although habit stacking can be effective in your professional career, it isn’t foolproof. You still need to work at it to ensure the new habit you’re trying to form becomes second nature. To help put your best foot forward, here are five expert tips:
1. Start small.
Try to establish only a few habits at a time. Otherwise, you can quickly feel overwhelmed and set yourself up for failure. Focus instead on one or two habits most important to you, and work on establishing those first. By starting small, you will help you build momentum and make it easier to add additional habits later on.
2. Choose wisely.
When choosing existing habits, make sure it is something you do consistently and regularly. For example, linking your new habit to checking your email or taking a lunch break can be effective since you’re already in the habit of doing those things every day.
3. Be specific.
Clearly define the habit and when and where you plan to do it. For example, if you want to establish a habit of maintaining your network every week, be specific about which individuals you will reach out to each week, what you’ll say to them, and how you’ll contact them. This level of specificity will make it easier to stick to your new habit.
4. Track your progress.
Keep a journal or use an app to track your progress. By tracking your progress, you can help you stay accountable and motivated. It can also help you identify any patterns or obstacles preventing you from sticking to your new habit.
5. Be patient.
Establishing a new habit takes time, so keep going even if you don’t see results immediately. It’s essential to stay committed and consistent over the long term. Celebrate small wins along the way and use setbacks as an opportunity to learn and improve. With persistence and the right mindset, habit stacking can be a powerful tool for career development.
Habit stacking is an easy but powerful technique to help you establish new habits and transform your career. So why not try it and see what positive changes you can make in your career?
