we’re lousy at figuring out how much time something will take us to complete.

To build an effective new habit, you need five essential components: a reason, a trigger, a micro-habit, effective practice, and a plan.

you’ve mastered the fake question. “Have you thought of…?” “What about…?” “Did you consider…?”

Someone once said that everything tastes better with bacon. As a fallen vegetarian, I can attest to that. Equally, every question gets better when you add, “And what else?” Asking, “What’s the real challenge here for you?” Good. Adding, “And what else? What else is a real challenge here for you?” Even better.

think less about what your habit can do for you, and more about how this new habit will help a person or people you care about.

“I have a sense of the overall challenge. What’s the real challenge here for you?”

If you believe you do have a choice, then this environment is more likely to be a place of reward and therefore engagement.

It’s Learning, Not Judgment

It Reminds People How Useful You Are to Them