Three years ago I posted once a week.
Today I post 4-5 times a week, every week, and I like it. I built this habit intentionally and kept it.
Here’s my system.
1. I picked one habit
I wanted to post more often on LinkedIn, so my one habit became: post on LinkedIn at least 3 times a week. I made it specific and it worked.
2. I broke it down into pieces and identified what was realistic.
I looked at the actions that made the habit:
- Decide what to write about,
- Have my notes handy and write draft ideas when they come to mind,
- Block dedicated time on my calendar to refine my drafts,
- Write multiple posts at once,
- Take time during the morning to post them.
I asked myself: “what’s doable for me?” and started from that.
Initially it was posting once a week, then it became twice a week and then more than 3 times a week.
3. I made it obvious, easy, attractive, and satisfying.
This is the part that makes habits stick.
- Obvious: I put blocks on my calendar, like a client meeting. If it’s scheduled, it’s happening.
- Easy: I write about two weeks of content in advance, in one sitting.
- Attractive: I paired the writing block with something I enjoy (good tea, a lofi playlist I like).
- Satisfying: Watching the posts add up is its own reward. I appreciate my effort with a “Great job! You’re being consistent with your practice.”
4. I stacked it onto something I already do.
I added the writing block after something that already existed in my routine (turning on my laptop in the morning and checking my calendar), so I had a cue instead of relying on motivation.
5. I let repetition do the heavy lifting.
Once a week became twice, twice became three times, three became four or five. Since the smaller habit was already happening, adding to it was doable, because I had a system that worked for me.
If a habit hasn’t stuck in three weeks you need more reps.
Design a system for that habit before you judge yourself and quit.
