Last time you reduced friction to make habits effortless. Now we'll use the most powerful anchoring strategy of all: existing habits.
Your brain already has dozens of automatic behaviors. We're going to hijack these to launch your new tiny habit.
Engagement Message
What's one thing you do every single day without thinking about it?
This is habit stacking: "After I [current habit], I will [new habit]." While similar to implementation intentions, habit stacking uses an existing habit as your trigger instead of relying on time or location.
Your current habit becomes the launch pad for your new one.
Engagement Message
Can you give one reason existing habits make more reliable triggers?
Here's why stacking works: your existing habits are already automatic. They happen reliably without willpower or memory. When you stack on top of them, you borrow their consistency.
It's like attaching a rocket to a train that's already moving.
Engagement Message
What's one habit you do at the exact same time every day?
The perfect stacking anchor has three qualities: it's specific, it happens daily, and it naturally leads to your new habit.
"After I pour my morning coffee" beats "after I wake up" because it's more specific and happens at a consistent time.
Engagement Message
Which is more specific: "after I eat" or "after I put my dinner plate in the dishwasher"?
Successful stacking example: "After I sit down at my desk with my morning coffee, I will write one sentence in my journal."
Notice how the actions flow naturally together - coffee and writing both happen at the same place.
Engagement Message
Can you think of two habits that would flow naturally together?
Here's the biggest stacking mistake: choosing habits that don't connect logically. "After I brush my teeth, I will check my bank account" feels random and forced.
Your brain resists unnatural combinations. Pick stacks that make intuitive sense.
Engagement Message
What would feel more natural: meditation after coffee or meditation after checking emails?
Type
Swipe Left or Right
Practice Question
Which habit stacks feel natural versus forced? Swipe each one based on whether it flows logically:
Labels
- Left Label: Natural Flow
- Right Label: Forced Connection
Left Label Items
- After I brush my teeth, I will floss one tooth
- After I sit down for lunch, I will take three deep breaths
- After I close my laptop, I will write one sentence
- After I put on my pajamas, I will read one page
Right Label Items
- After I feed my dog, I will check my bank account
- After I make my bed, I will call my dentist
- After I start my car, I will do pushups
- After I wash dishes, I will practice guitar
