How your environment shapes your habits (and how to fix it)

Hi friend,

Have you ever wondered why, despite your best intentions, some habits are easier to build or break than others?

The answer might be simpler than you think: your environment.

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, puts it clearly:

The spaces we live in, the items we surround ourselves with, and the cues we encounter daily have a profound impact on our habits.

Why environment matters more than motivation

Willpower and motivation fluctuate—but the environment around you remains constant. Consider this:

• If you want to read more, keeping a book next to your bed or on your coffee table makes it easier.

• If you’re aiming for a healthier diet, simply keeping fruits visible and snacks hidden dramatically shifts your eating choices.

• Want to walk more? Make your shoes easily accessible and visible near the door.

Environment acts as a continuous, silent cue that guides your actions. It can either pull you towards positive habits or push you into unwanted ones.

Simple ways to optimize your environment for better habits

Adjusting your environment doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some quick tips you can implement immediately:

• Increase visibility for good habits:

  Keep the items that help you achieve your goals visible and within easy reach.

  Example: Set your yoga mat or workout clothes somewhere you’ll see them first thing in the morning.

• Add friction for unwanted habits:

  Make it difficult or inconvenient to engage in habits you’re trying to avoid.

  Example: Put your phone in another room during deep-work sessions to avoid distractions.

• Create clear “zones” for specific activities:

  Assign different spaces for different tasks, such as a reading corner, workout space, or dedicated workspace. This clarity helps your brain effortlessly shift into the desired habit.

Balancing your habits amidst real-life responsibilities

For those balancing household chores, family responsibilities, and work (especially as parents), optimizing your environment is crucial. Time and energy are precious resources.

Here are practical examples of what works for me as a parent:

• Habit stacking: Link your new habit to an existing routine. For example, I review my daily plans immediately after making coffee.

• Prepare your environment the night before: Lay out clothes, prepare breakfast items, or place essentials near the door, reducing morning friction and creating smooth starts.

• Simplify chores: Organize frequently used items clearly and conveniently. This reduces decision fatigue, giving you energy back to spend on more meaningful tasks.

Remember, small changes lead to big outcomes

You don’t need a complete life overhaul; just small adjustments that make positive habits easier and negative habits slightly more difficult.

In Tiny Habits, BJ Fogg suggests:

Consistently making small changes to your environment is more powerful than occasional bursts of motivation.

💬 Your Turn

What simple environmental changes have helped you build (or break) a habit successfully?

📩 Reply to this email; I’d love to hear your challanges or strategies!

📬 Want to launch your own newsletter?

Take my free email course at StartYourNewsletter.today or start immediately with a free Beehiiv account!

Thanks for reading!

Selim

www.selimuysal.net

LinkedIn, Twitter/X