Swap the Reward, Not the Routine
from The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life by Steven Bartlett
How to Apply This
-
Identify your habit loop. Map out the cue, routine, and reward for the habit you want to change. For instance, habit: late-night snacking; cue: boredom; routine: opening fridge; reward: temporary pleasure.
-
Replace the reward with something positive (not mere deprivation). Substitute a healthier, still-pleasurable reward when the cue strikes. For snacking, this might be a herbal tea and a five-minute stretch—something you genuinely enjoy.
-
Change just one habit at a time. Focus on a single loop, not a crash overhaul. Willpower is limited and trying to fight multiple habits will leave you exhausted and likely to rebound.
-
Guard your sleep and manage stress. Prioritize rest and well-being, especially when installing a new habit—poor sleep and stress are enemies of self-control.
Why Use Mentorist?
- Track your progress and build lasting habits
- Get personalized reminders to stay on track
- Access hundreds of book summaries with actionable steps
- Transform knowledge into action in just 15 minutes a day
Ready to Take Action?
Download Mentorist to track your progress, get personalized reminders, and turn this insight into a lasting habit.