Table of Contents

From Overwhelmed to Organized: How to Build Habits That Stick

Do you often feel stuck when trying to build new habits? You’re not alone. Many people struggle to stay consistent. But the good news is, there are proven strategies to make habits easier to stick with. Inspired by Gretchen Rubin’s book Better Than Before, this article explores practical insights that can turn small daily actions into long-term transformation.

Understand Your Habit Tendencies

Before building new routines, it’s important to know how you respond to expectations. Rubin introduces the Four Tendencies Framework, which categorizes people based on how they react to internal and external expectations:

• Upholders: Motivated by both personal and external rules.
• Questioners: Follow rules only if they make sense logically.
• Rebels: Resist both external rules and self-imposed expectations.
• Obligers: Easily meet others’ expectations but struggle with their own.

Recognizing which type you are can help you design a personalized system of accountability and motivation.

Shift from “Changing” to “Building” Habits

Many people approach habits with a goal in mind, like training for a marathon or preparing for a big event. While goals are helpful, they can feel like a finish line—once reached, the habit often disappears. Instead, focus on building habits gradually and consistently. Small, repeated actions compound over time and lead to real, lasting change.

“Consistency, not drastic change, is the key to lasting habits.”

Leverage the Power of Scheduling

Scheduling is one of the strongest tools for habit formation. Rubin shares two methods that can make a difference:

The Coupling Strategy

Pair something you enjoy with something you tend to avoid. For example, only allow yourself to watch a favorite show after completing chores. The satisfaction of doing something fun motivates you to tackle the less pleasant task.

Schedule “Worry Time”

Instead of letting stress and negative thoughts creep in all day, dedicate a specific time each week to sit with your worries. Treat it like a meeting with yourself. This gives you space to acknowledge anxiety, process it, and move forward with clarity.

Make Habits Visible and Tangible

One simple trick is to put everything in your calendar—even downtime or daydreaming. When an activity is scheduled, it feels more real and you’re more likely to follow through. This makes your commitment visible and keeps you accountable.

Conclusion

Building habits that stick isn’t about willpower alone. By understanding your tendencies, focusing on small consistent actions, and leveraging scheduling, you can turn overwhelming goals into sustainable daily practices. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your habits transform your life.

If this resonates with you, share it with someone who’s also trying to improve their daily routines. Let’s inspire each other to build a better life, one habit at a time!

Labels: Self Development

References

• Video: From Overwhelmed to Organized: How to Build Habits that Stick! – Maudy Ayunda’s Booklist
• Channel: Maudy Ayunda
• Watch on YouTube