When it comes to building habits, one of the most important principles is to make it easy. The easier a habit is to do, the more likely you are to stick with it. This idea, often referred to as the 3rd Law of Behavior Change, is all about reducing friction and simplifying the process so that good habits become almost effortless. Let’s explore why making things easy is so effective, how you can apply this principle to your life, and practical tips to help you build habits that last.
The reason making things easy works so well is that it aligns with how our brains are wired. We naturally gravitate toward activities that require less effort and avoid those that feel difficult or complicated. This is why habits like scrolling through social media or snacking on junk food are so easy to fall into—they require almost no effort. On the other hand, habits like exercising or eating healthy often feel harder because they require more planning, energy, and willpower. By making good habits easier, you can tip the scales in your favor and make them just as automatic as the bad ones.
One of the simplest ways to make a habit easy is to start small. Instead of trying to do too much at once, focus on taking tiny steps that feel manageable. For example, if you want to start exercising, don’t commit to an hour-long workout right away. Start with just five minutes of stretching or a short walk around the block. These small actions are easier to fit into your day and help you build momentum over time. As the habit becomes more automatic, you can gradually increase the difficulty.
Another way to make habits easy is to reduce friction. Friction refers to anything that makes a habit harder to do, whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional. For example, if you want to read more, keep a book on your nightstand instead of tucked away on a shelf. If you want to eat healthier, prep your meals in advance so you don’t have to think about what to cook. By removing obstacles, you make it easier to follow through on your intentions.
It’s also helpful to create an environment that supports your habits. Your surroundings play a big role in shaping your behavior, so design them to make good habits easy and bad habits hard. For example, if you want to drink more water, keep a water bottle on your desk or in your bag. If you want to cut back on screen time, move your phone or TV remote out of sight. These small changes can have a big impact on your ability to stick to your goals.
Another key to making habits easy is to leverage existing routines. This is called habit stacking, and it involves linking a new habit to something you already do regularly. For example, if you want to start meditating, you might say, “After I brush my teeth in the morning, I will meditate for two minutes.” By attaching the new habit to an existing one, you make it easier to remember and follow through.
Technology can also be a powerful tool for making habits easy. Apps, reminders, and tools can help you stay on track and reduce the mental effort required to stick to your habits. For example, use a habit-tracking app to monitor your progress, set reminders to take breaks or stretch, or use a website blocker to limit time spent on distracting sites. These tools can reinforce positive behaviors and make it easier to avoid temptations.
Another way to make habits easy is to focus on consistency, not perfection. It’s better to do a small, easy version of a habit consistently than to do it perfectly once in a while. For example, if you’re trying to build a habit of writing, commit to writing just one sentence a day. This might seem too small to make a difference, but over time, these small actions add up and help you build momentum.
It’s also important to be patient and realistic. Building habits takes time, and it’s normal to face setbacks along the way. Instead of getting discouraged, focus on progress and celebrate small wins. For example, if you miss a day of your habit, don’t beat yourself up—just start again the next day. The key is to keep going, even when it feels hard.
Making habits easy is one of the most effective ways to ensure they stick. By starting small, reducing friction, and creating a supportive environment, you can make good habits feel almost effortless. Whether you’re trying to exercise more, eat healthier, or develop a new skill, this approach can help you take action with less effort and more consistency. So the next time you set a goal, ask yourself: How can I make this easier? It’s a simple but powerful strategy that can help you build the life you want, one small step at a time.
