Habit Stacking: How to Add New Habits Without Willpower

Starting a new habit is hard. But what if you didn’t need willpower?

Enter Habit Stacking — a method popularized by James Clear in Atomic Habits.

The idea: Attach a new habit to something you already do consistently.

Formula: After I [existing habit], I will [new habit].

Examples:

• After I brush my teeth → I will floss one tooth
• After I make coffee → I will write 1 sentence in my journal
• After I take off my shoes → I will do 10 squats
• After I close my laptop → I will prep tomorrow’s to-do list

Why it works:

• Your brain already has the cue
• Reduces friction
• Encourages consistency

Start tiny. Consistency > intensity.