Habit Stringing (Link a new habit to an existing one)
What it is: Also called “habit stacking”. This is the process of linking a new habit you want to develop to an existing, well-established habit or trigger to make it easier to adopt. Why it works: Your brain already knows the existing habit; you are simply “stacking” the new one onto it.
This creates a cue-action-reward cycle with less friction.
This makes habit formation more automatic, so you do not have to constantly “catch yourself” trying to remember something. For example: “After I make my morning coffee (existing habit), I will write one sentence in my journal (new habit).” “After I hang up my coat (existing habit), I will do 5 push-ups (new habit).” How to use it: 1. Choose an existing habit that you do regularly (e.g., brushing your teeth, making coffee, coming home from work). 2. Decide what new habit you want to add (keep it small at first). 3. Phrase it as “After (existing habit), I will (new habit).” 4. Keep it simple, small, and doable. 5. Repeat daily. Once this becomes comfortable, you can expand or add additional “stacked” habits. Tip: Track your habit chaining using a simple checklist or habit tracker. This helps maintain consistency.
