Struggling to Change? Here are strategies that work
Insights from "How to Change" by Katy Milkman
Hello everyone 👋🏼
It's been a while… Today I’m back with something different. One topic that is essential in your personal and professional growth is the ability to make changes that stick…
Whether it's starting a new habit or changing a process in your business, we all struggle with making changes stick.
I recently read a super-helpful book that digs into this: "How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be" by Katy Milkman. It's packed with research-backed strategies, and I wanted to share some of the most impactful ideas with you.
Here are a few key takeaways from the book:
1. Use "Fresh Starts" to Your Advantage
Ever notice how it feels easier to start a new diet at the beginning of a month, or set goals for your new job? That's the "Fresh Start Effect." Moments that feel like new beginnings (start of a week, month, year, after a holiday, moving) give us a sense of a clean slate.
Put it to work
Schedule your change efforts to begin at one of these psychologically significant times.
2. Lock Yourself in with Commitment Devices
We often make plans we don't follow through on. Commitment devices are tools that help your present self constrain your future self, making it harder to bail.
Put it to work
Make a commitment to someone you respect or, for products, build in public
3. Bundle Temptations
This is a fun one! Link something you should do (but maybe don't love) with something you want to do).
Put it to work
Only allow yourself to listen to your favorite podcast while you're exercising. Only watch that show while you're doing household chores.
4. Make it Easy (and Hard to Do the Opposite)
Our environment plays a huge role. Reduce the friction for the behavior you want, and increase the friction for the behavior you don't want.
Put it to work
Lay out your running clothes the night before. Keep healthy snacks front and center. Delete social media apps from your phone and only access them from the browser.
5. Don't Forget the Power of Small Wins & Social Support
Big changes are built on small steps. Tracking progress builds confidence. And we're heavily influenced by the people around us.
Put it to work
Break down your goal into tiny actions you can tick off. Celebrate those small wins! Find a friend, colleague, or community (like the Okoul community 😁) to share your journey with and get support.
The big lesson from "How to Change" is that by understanding the predictable ways our minds resist change, we can design smarter strategies to achieve our goals.
I hope these ideas spark some thoughts for you, whether you're trying to build a new personal habit or make a change in your business or product.
Best,
Zain
Have you tried to make big changes? tell us about your experience