Manangement Tip of the Day - Use Personal Rituals to Make Changes Stick

HBR :APRIL 10, 2013

How many times have you promised to exercise more, or start meditating, or spend less time at the office?  To make changes that last, create rituals — highly specific behaviors that you do at the same time every day (or on specific days you select). Willpower is a limited resource, so use less of it by making challenging activities automatic.  By setting a time for your routine, you don't have to spend energy thinking about when to get it done.  If you find yourself faltering, reduce the challenge but stay the course. Run three days a week instead of four. Repetition, even in very small doses, builds capacity.  Any positive change you can make will be hugely satisfying — and a source of inspiration to make the next one.

Today's Management Tip was adapted from "How to Make a Change that Lasts" by Tony Schwartz.