FROM ROUTINE TO REMARKABLE

Introduction

Building Lasting Change with Keystone Habits and the Ten-Step Formula

In this book, we’re going to take a closer look at something that secretly runs the show in our daily lives: habits. You know, those things that guide what we do without us even thinking about it? They're more than just routines; they're a big part of who we are and what we do.

Believe it or not, over 40% of our daily actions come from habits. Yep, almost half of what you do every day is on autopilot. Makes you stop and think, doesn't it? What if we could understand these habits and use that knowledge to our advantage?

The world of self-improvement is full of headlines that scream "Change Your Life Overnight!". You'll see promises like "Transform Your Life in Just 5 Minutes a Day!" or "Unlock Your Hidden Potential with This One Weird Trick." These catchy pieces might grab your attention, but let's be real: not all of them are backed by credible research. They're more like those one-hit wonders on the radio that are catchy but don't really stick with you.  The truth is, that real transformation requires more than just fleeting enthusiasm. It demands a foundation built on solid, reliable habits. This book introduces a practical, evidence-based approach to habit formation, combining the power of keystone habits with a comprehensive ten-step formula to guide you toward sustainable, lasting change.

Keystone habits are the pillars upon which lasting change can be built. These habits have the unique ability to initiate a domino effect, positively impacting various aspects of your life. When you focus on establishing these key habits, you're not just making a small adjustment to your routine; you're setting the stage for a dramatic transformation.

Using the Ten-Step Formula outlined in this book I'll show you how to take that initial spark of wanting to make a change, through the process of integrating these changes into your life, to finally making these new habits a seamless part of your daily routine. By focusing on keystone habits and following the ten-step formula, you'll learn how to create a cycle of positive change that can impact every area of your life.

This book is more than just a guide; it's a roadmap to lasting transformation. Whether your goals are related to health, productivity, or personal well-being, the principles contained within these pages will help you not only achieve but sustain the changes you desire most. Let's begin this journey together, step by step, habit by habit, towards a more fulfilling life.

Why Create Habits?

Imagine if half the time you were driving, you were in cruise control. That's kind of how we live our lives. A big chunk of our day is spent doing things without even thinking about them, like brushing our teeth or making our morning coffee. That's why it's super important to set up good habits. If we can make these "autopilot" moments work for us, we can make a big difference in our lives.

In this guide, I'll explain how habits are like our brain's shortcut system, bust the myth that says it only takes 21 days to make or break a habit, and give you tips on how to stick to the good stuff and ditch the not-so-good stuff. Plus, I'll share some habits that could be total game-changers for you.

Everyone's talking about setting goals these days. You hear it all the time - "I want to climb the job ladder", "I want to save more money", or "I want to get in shape for summer". Sounds familiar, right? Now, don't get me wrong, having goals is great, but they're a bit over-hyped if you ask me.

It's as though people think reaching a goal is some magic ticket to happiness. Like, if they can just drop those extra pounds or save up for that flashy car, they'll suddenly have it all figured out. But let's be real, life doesn't work like that.

Imagine goals as the cool places you want to visit on a trip. Knowing your destination is awesome, but it's kinda pointless if you don’t have a ride to get there. That's where habits come into play. If life's a journey, then habits are your trusty, turbocharged SUV, ready to take on any road and get you to those dream spots.

You know how sometimes we get caught up daydreaming about the big moments, like writing that bestseller, opening our own business, or landing that dream job? We get so wrapped up in these shiny end goals that we forget about the little steps that lead us there. It's like planning to run a marathon and only envisioning the moment of crossing the finish line without considering the months of training, perseverance, and preparation required.

That’s where habits come in. At its core, forming habits is like being your own coach, guiding yourself to make better choices that lead to a happier and healthier life. It's setting up routines that help you achieve your dreams.

Think about a musician who plays songs that just pull you in. They didn't just wake up one day playing like that. They spent a lot of time practicing, going over the basics again and again until their hands just knew what to do. That's a lot like self-discipline, where you do the same thing many times until it becomes second nature.

When we talk about building habits, it's like that musician practicing. It means doing something over and over, not just when you feel like it. Whether it's making your bed every day, jogging, or setting time to read, it's all about teaching yourself to do it regularly. It's not because someone told you to, but because you see how good it can be for you in the long run.

Plus, when you concentrate on positive habits, you naturally drift away from the less helpful ones. For instance, if you get into the routine of exercising daily, your body will start craving healthier foods. As you focus on fitness, you might find yourself reaching for a fruit smoothie over a soda or choosing a salad over a greasy burger, prioritizing nourishment over fleeting pleasure.

The more you stick to your routine and see the good it does, the more you'll want to keep it up. It's like working out - the more you do it, the stronger you get. Every day you stick with your routine, you're boosting your self-discipline, making it easier to keep going and even add more good habits.

It's all about giving yourself a strong foundation for a better life.

When we do things like exercise regularly, eat well, and get a good night's sleep, we're not just keeping our bodies in shape. We're also helping our minds stay sharp, keeping stress at bay, and boosting our mood.

Here's the cool part: when you start with one good habit, it often leads to another. It's like knocking over the first domino in a chain. When these good habits become a part of our daily routine, we get things done more efficiently. It's because we're not always stuck trying to decide what to do next. And the discipline we build from sticking to these habits? It starts to show up in other parts of our lives, giving us a strong base to go after even bigger goals.

Picture this: You're in the kitchen, standing in front of an open fridge, trying to decide what to make for dinner. If you've ever done this, you know that sometimes you can spend more time deciding what to cook than the actual cooking itself. It’s similar to those mornings when you stand in front of your wardrobe, wasting precious minutes choosing what to wear. But what if you had a set menu for the week or a designated dress code? The decision is almost made for you, and you can get straight to the task.

For instance, if you’ve made it a habit to answer emails first thing in the morning, you don't spend time debating when to tackle your inbox or getting distracted by other tasks. You sit down; you handle your emails, and you move on. The mental energy you might have spent wavering or procrastinating is saved, and you can channel it into your work, making you more efficient.

Instead of constantly asking, "Where to next?", you have a clear direction, allowing you to cruise through tasks with ease and confidence. By reducing these decision-making roadblocks, you streamline your day, ensuring that you get the most out of every hour and ultimately, become a master of your own time.

When we lay down a foundation of healthy habits, no dream is too vast, and no goal is too distant. Like stepping stones, each habit prepares and strengthens us, ensuring we're ready to cross any river or climb any mountain in pursuit of our grandest aspirations.

Habits vs Goals

Let's be honest; we live in a society that worships at the altar of goals. "I want to lose weight!" "I want to be a millionaire by 35!"

Goals are the celebrities of self-development: glitzy, glamorous, and always in the spotlight. Habits, meanwhile, are the behind-the-scenes roadies making sure the show actually goes on. Not as glamorous, but equally, if not more, important.

Picture this: You’ve got your eyes on the prize of losing 15 pounds. Great! You jump on the "miracle diet" bandwagon, count calories, weigh in every week and, hey presto, within three months you hit your goal. Bravo! You go to a celebration dinner and eat your weight in cheesecake. Before you know it, you're back to square one or even further behind. Why? Because goals have an expiration date. Once you hit them, the drive fizzles out.

Now, let’s ponder some other scenarios to hammer this point home. You've decided to read two books every week until you hit 50 books for the year. Once you hit that magic number, what's stopping you from becoming a couch potato again, binging on reality TV instead of prose?

Or consider this: you’re dead-set on finishing a marathon by the end of summer. You train like a mad person; you cross the finish line, and then what? Do you throw your running shoes into the depths of your closet, never to be worn again?

You see, the issue is not that goals are bad; it’s that they're not enough to sustain long-term happiness or progress. They're like a sugar rush—a quick jolt of satisfaction that fizzles out.

Habits, on the other hand, are the gift that keeps on giving. If you incorporate exercise into your daily routine, those 15 pounds will vanish—and stay gone. If you make reading a nightly ritual, you're going to ingest more knowledge and wisdom than you could ever measure.

Goals are your flash-in-the-pan summer flings. Exciting and motivating, but they tend to leave you as quickly as they came. Habits? They’re the steady relationship that will stick with you through thick and thin, for better or for worse.

So, in the showdown between Habits vs. Goals, I say, why not be a little polyamorous? Have a fling with a goal, but settle down with a habit. Your future self will thank you.