Takeaways from Think Well: How to Form Successful Habits

Today, we’re diving into the highlights of our recent workshop, "Think Well: How to Form Successful Habits," led by Dr. Nate Sikora and Victoria. If you missed it, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a summary of the key takeaways and actionable tips to help you form and maintain successful habits.

Expert Tips from Atomic Habits

Our workshop kicked off with a deep dive into the world of habits, inspired by James Clear’s bestselling book, Atomic Habits. 

The essence of the workshop was to explore scientifically-backed strategies for building good habits and breaking bad ones. Dr. Nate emphasized that habits are not just about doing things differently; they’re about becoming the person you aspire to be. 

As Aristotle famously said, "We are what we repeatedly do."

The 1% Rule: Small Changes, Big Impact

One of the most powerful concepts discussed was the 1% rule. 

The idea is simple: you don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Instead, focus on improving by just 1% each day. By the end of the year, these small changes can make you 37 times better than when you started. 

Imagine an airplane adjusting its course by just one degree—it might end up hundreds of miles from its original destination. Similarly, small daily improvements can lead to significant transformations over time.

Breaking Bad Habits: Make It Hard

Victoria shared practical tips on breaking bad habits by making them harder to engage in. For instance, if social media is a distraction, bury the app in a folder on your phone, making it less accessible. This simple change can significantly reduce the time spent on unproductive activities. 

For those needing a more robust solution, apps like Freedom can lock you out of distracting sites, helping you focus on what truly matters.

Building Good Habits: Stack, Batch, and Track

  1. Stacking Habits: Pair a new habit with an existing one. For example, balance on one leg while brushing your teeth to improve stability. This makes it easier to remember and integrate new habits into your routine.

  2. Batching Habits: Consistency is key. Whether it’s meal prepping on Sundays or scheduling regular chiropractic appointments, batching helps maintain momentum. Remember, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

  3. Tracking Progress: Keep a journal or use apps to track your habits. Celebrate small wins and use visual cues like moving marbles from one bowl to another to get that dopamine rush from completing tasks.

Practice Makes Progress, Not Perfection

Dr. Nate reminded us that perfection is the enemy of progress. It’s okay to slip up occasionally. What matters is getting back on track and giving yourself grace. 

Remember, practice makes progress, not perfection.

Practice makes progress, not perfection.

Join Our Community & Let’s Improve Together!

We encourage you to explore Atomic Habits and consider joining our book club or yoga class for additional support. These community activities are included in your care and offer a great way to connect with others on a similar journey.

Remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you haven’t visited us in 30 days or more, make sure to schedule your next appointment with us. 

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