The Secret Habit to Success (an April Challenge!)

Note to my readers: Apologies for the lateness of this April Challenge - I’ve been crazy busy. But we’ve got 21 days left in April, and that’s a good period for forming this month’s habit.

Every Monday is Weekly Review at Zen Habits.

We’ve talked about forming habits here on Zen Habits — it’s one of the central themes to this site [habits into goals, bad habits into good ones, motivate yourself to create habits, develop clean house habits, keeping track of them]. But forming habits is a skill that takes practice, and as with any skill, it’s best to start with the very basics, at the smallest and easiest level, and practice it until you’re good at it before moving on to more difficult levels.

Thus, this month, we will get back to the most basic level possible: working on the habit of forming habits.

This week I will be writing a book review of Og Mandino’s self-help classic, The Greatest Salesman in the World, but for this post I will borrow from one of his more powerful concepts. The book tells a tale of 10 Scrolls that will lead you to success. They’re all very good, but the first, in my opinion, is the most important: it teaches you how to form good habits.

I will form good habits and become their slave.

…

I will read each scroll for thirty days in this prescribed manner, before I proceed to the next scroll.

First, I will read the words in silence when I arise. Then, I will read the words in silence after I have partaken of my midday meal. Last, I will read the words again just before I retire at day’s end, and most important, on this occasion I will read the words aloud.

On the next day I will repeat this procedure, and I will continue in like manner for thirty days. Then, I will turn to the next scroll and repeat this procedure for another thirty days. I will continue in this manner until I have lived with each scroll for thirty days and my reading has become habit.

So basically, the habit is to read from the 10 Scrolls for 30 days each, morning, noon and night — but the challenging part is holding back so you only do one scroll per month. And the first month, you focus on the process of forming those good habits.

If you draw from that powerful concept, and start by first teaching yourself how to form a habit, and then focus on one habit for each of the following months, you will be more successful with each habit.

So here’s the secret: for the first month’s habit, you need to develop the discipline of reading a mantra morning, noon and night - the First Habit. It can be a mantra you write yourself, or one that I suggest below. If you can stick to that habit for a month, you can build on that success and start with a second habit — staying with another small one is best. Each month, you can work on a new habit, focusing on only one per month. But the key is to have the patience to work on only that First Habit for the first month.

Most of us have a bunch of habits we’d like to instill in our daily routine — from eating healthy, to exercise, reading, writing, waking early, organization, frugality and more — and it’s hard not to try to conquer them all at once. But if you can do this, and hold off on those habits until you’ve accomplished this one, you’ll have a much, much greater chance of success at all of them. Having the patience to do this won’t be easy, but remember: you have your entire life ahead of you. If you follow this program, and you’re successful, you’ll have eight more habits developed by the end of this year (starting with your next habit in May), and 12 more the next year, and so on. It’s worth the wait.

So how do you implement this First Habit? Here’s the plan:

Commit Thyself. Commit to doing this First Habit for the rest of this month (or if you’re starting late, do it for 30 days).
Morning Habit. Every morning, when you wake up, silently read this mantra (borrowed in part from reader Ann M., and in part from Og Mandino): “Today, I start a new life. Today, I create a new, positive habit. The only difference between those who have failed and those who have succeeded lies in the difference of their habits. Good habits are the key to all success. Thus, the first law I will obey is: I will form good habits and become their slave. Today, I take control of my actions and behaviors. With these, I create my life and destiny.”
Midday Habit. Every day after you eat lunch, silently read the above mantra.
Evening Habit. Every evening, just before you go to bed, read the above mantra out loud.
Tracking Habit. Create a chart or log, and each day give yourself a checkmark, gold star, or other such mark so that you can see that you’ve done the habit every single day. Don’t miss a day, no matter what — if you can do it every day, without fail, you will have create a 3x-a-day habit that you can use to build upon for your next habit.
Future Habits. Make a list of what habits you’d like to work on each month, once you’ve successfully completed the First Habit.
Motivation Hacks. If possible, use as many of the Top 20 Motivation hacks to help you stick to your habit for the rest of the month.
Celebration Time! Celebrate your successes along the way, and celebrate when you’re done!

Resolve yourself to this First Habit, and you’ll be inspired by your own success. From Og Mandino:

And I make a solemn oath to myself that nothing will retard my new life’s growth. I will lose not a day from these readings for that day cannot be retrieved nor can I substitute another for it. I must not , I will not, break this habit of daily reading from these scrolls and, in truth, the few moments spent each day on this new habit are but a small price to pay for the happiness and success that will be mine.

So here’s the April Challenge: Commit to doing this First Habit, morning noon and night, for the rest of April. That simple. Then you can move on to other habits, once this one is established.

If you want to participate in the April Challenge, but feel you’re already good at changing habits, or perhaps the mantra idea is too corny for you, you may choose another small habit change (start small!) and join us for this month. Anyone who’d like to join the Challenge, please sign up in the comments below. I plan to create a separate page for the Challenge, but haven’t had a chance to do so. I’ll let you know when it’s ready — we can motivate each other to succeed!

Note: If you liked this article, please Digg it or add to del.icio.us. Thanks!

See also:

The Secret Habit to Success (an April Challenge!)

Every Monday is Weekly Review at Zen Habits.

Thus, this month, we will get back to the most basic level possible: working on the habit of forming habits.

I will form good habits and become their slave.

…

I will read each scroll for thirty days in this prescribed manner, before I proceed to the next scroll.

First, I will read the words in silence when I arise. Then, I will read the words in silence after I have partaken of my midday meal. Last, I will read the words again just before I retire at day’s end, and most important, on this occasion I will read the words aloud.

On the next day I will repeat this procedure, and I will continue in like manner for thirty days. Then, I will turn to the next scroll and repeat this procedure for another thirty days. I will continue in this manner until I have lived with each scroll for thirty days and my reading has become habit.

So how do you implement this First Habit? Here’s the plan:

Commit Thyself. Commit to doing this First Habit for the rest of this month (or if you’re starting late, do it for 30 days).
Morning Habit. Every morning, when you wake up, silently read this mantra (borrowed in part from reader Ann M., and in part from Og Mandino): “Today, I start a new life. Today, I create a new, positive habit. The only difference between those who have failed and those who have succeeded lies in the difference of their habits. Good habits are the key to all success. Thus, the first law I will obey is: I will form good habits and become their slave. Today, I take control of my actions and behaviors. With these, I create my life and destiny.”
Midday Habit. Every day after you eat lunch, silently read the above mantra.
Evening Habit. Every evening, just before you go to bed, read the above mantra out loud.
Tracking Habit. Create a chart or log, and each day give yourself a checkmark, gold star, or other such mark so that you can see that you’ve done the habit every single day. Don’t miss a day, no matter what — if you can do it every day, without fail, you will have create a 3x-a-day habit that you can use to build upon for your next habit.
Future Habits. Make a list of what habits you’d like to work on each month, once you’ve successfully completed the First Habit.
Motivation Hacks. If possible, use as many of the Top 20 Motivation hacks to help you stick to your habit for the rest of the month.
Celebration Time! Celebrate your successes along the way, and celebrate when you’re done!

Resolve yourself to this First Habit, and you’ll be inspired by your own success. From Og Mandino:

And I make a solemn oath to myself that nothing will retard my new life’s growth. I will lose not a day from these readings for that day cannot be retrieved nor can I substitute another for it. I must not , I will not, break this habit of daily reading from these scrolls and, in truth, the few moments spent each day on this new habit are but a small price to pay for the happiness and success that will be mine.

So here’s the April Challenge: Commit to doing this First Habit, morning noon and night, for the rest of April. That simple. Then you can move on to other habits, once this one is established.

See also:

Posted on 9 April 2007 in Habits |
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Comments (51)

Pierre Lourens Says:

April 9th, 2007, 5:40 am

I’m in, and even though my mind tells me that I’m good at forming habits, I think I’m going to start with the suggested mantra. Once I do that, I’ll have a lot more confidence for my next habit.

Nusku Says:

April 9th, 2007, 7:22 am

OKay I’ll give it a go with the mantra.

Sandra Says:

April 9th, 2007, 8:33 am

Perfect timing.

Ann M. Says:

April 9th, 2007, 8:38 am

Thanks for the mention Leo. I’m going to continue to work on this, even though this is a hectic time. I’m not stressed over it though, because I know I’ll miss some times, but I’ll just do my best to continue because just starting is one of the most important aspects.

Ann M. Says:

April 9th, 2007, 8:48 am

A tip-make this habit even more powerful by writing the mantra. Writing notes or flash cards is a great study tool, and I’m sure it would work for this also. There is lots of research out there on it.

Leo Says:

April 9th, 2007, 8:48 am

Great! Thanks for joining the April Challenge, everybody. It sounds like a simple challenge, but I think it will pay off in the long run.

I’d like to send out a daily email to everyone who’s on the Challenge, but if you would rather not receive the email, let me know. Also, I can put you on a weekly email list instead. As you add your comment, just let me know that you’d rather not receive the emails or that you’d rather be on the weekly list. Also, if I send you an email, you can always reply and tell me to take you off or move you to the weekly list. Your email won’t be visible to everyone else who receives the message. Basically, it’s a daily check-in email, so we can all check in and give an update on our progress if we’d like, and encourage each other.

The challenge starts today, so get going!

Mitch Says:

April 9th, 2007, 8:49 am

I’ll do it.

Michael Says:

April 9th, 2007, 9:13 am

I’m in and I’ll take the email.

Deb Says:

April 9th, 2007, 9:27 am

I’m in and please send me the email!

Debi Says:

April 9th, 2007, 9:28 am

Please count me in :)

Judie Says:

April 9th, 2007, 10:08 am

I’m goodto go. Please send email.

cy Says:

April 9th, 2007, 10:26 am

Count me in, but only if you do not use this email for any other purposes or pass it along. Due to the feel I get from your blog, I assume you don’t but just making sure. Thanks!

Dale Says:

April 9th, 2007, 10:39 am

Absolutely, please send the email.

Thank you.

Dale

sydney Says:

April 9th, 2007, 12:14 pm

i’m in and send me the email.

Joanna Says:

April 9th, 2007, 12:59 pm

I’m in Leo, however I want to write my own mantra or choose a small new habit, not sure yet. I give myself time till the end of the day to decide. Anyway, I’m in for the email, it’ll be a helpful reminder.

Cecily T Says:

April 9th, 2007, 13:47 pm

I’m in for the Challenge and the email.

I want to tell you that your blog is my #1 favorite read every single day. It’s great. I was just thinking about how many habits I should start (cardio, stretching, weight lifting, etc) and here you come with this timely post and challenge.

I’ll be a first time mom in a few months, and I’m looking for some structure for myself and my coming little one. Your blog is great for that.

Amarjeet Singh Says:

April 9th, 2007, 15:00 pm

hi, i like your idea and i will start working on it today onwards let what results it will give. i am sure some positive results will come out.. i will tell you on month’s end that it worked for me or not.

Leo Says:

April 9th, 2007, 17:26 pm

Great! Thanks for signing up, guys. I’m excited about this!

Pierre Lourens Says:

April 9th, 2007, 17:30 pm

I was the first commentor, but I’m just updating to say I’m also in for the e-mail.

I’m getting excited, and I read my flashcard today :)

Balfour Says:

April 9th, 2007, 17:59 pm

I’m in on this and the daily email.

Terry Says:

April 9th, 2007, 17:59 pm

Thanks for inspiring us all!

Yes, count me IN.

Ross Says:

April 9th, 2007, 19:05 pm

Well done; I’m an Og Mandino fan and I’d enjoy being a part of this. I look forward to the daily Email.

We’re a few hours behind you down here in Australia. :-))

Nusku Says:

April 9th, 2007, 19:07 pm

the daily email is cool idea ! count me in for that.

Leo Says:

April 9th, 2007, 19:11 pm

Excellent. This is turning out to be a good group for the April Challenge. I’ll give others a chance to sign up before sending out the first email later today. Thanks everyone!

BraveGiant Says:

April 9th, 2007, 20:27 pm

I’m in! I love that book and recommend it.
I’m ready when you are!

Sandy Says:

April 10th, 2007, 0:06 am

I am also in….trying out first time. !! I liked ur website !!

Liz Says:

April 10th, 2007, 0:47 am

I’m in! Just discovered this site a few days ago, and I love it. This challenge is perfect because I’m always tempted to try and develop a million new good habits all at once, and of course I fail and give up. So I’m going to read this mantra and give myself gold stars (I’ll do just about anything for a shiny sticker…)
I’d like to get the weekly email, since I have pretty poor inbox clearing habits :)

Peace Says:

April 10th, 2007, 1:52 am

I’m in too. Please include me in the weekly (though not daily) list. Glad I checked in.

Melanie Says:

April 10th, 2007, 3:05 am

Hi, great idea. I check in, too.

Jim Says:

April 10th, 2007, 10:39 am

I’m in! Please include me in the daily email.

holli Says:

April 10th, 2007, 11:19 am

I’m in too.

toen Says:

April 10th, 2007, 11:23 am

1 day late, but please count me in :)

Balfour Says:

April 10th, 2007, 12:02 pm

Leo, please note change in email address.

Leo Says:

April 10th, 2007, 14:29 pm

Welcome to the Challenge, everyone! You should be receiving the first email today, if you haven’t already. This is turning out to be excellent. @Balfour … email change noted.

VentiDarkRoast Says:

April 10th, 2007, 16:31 pm

I am in — please send me the daily email!

When I read Salesman several years ago, I couldn’t resist the temptation to whiz ahead and try all 10 at once. This time I’ll harness the Power of the Group — and the Power of the Small Habit. Thanks, Leo!

-Dan

Axel Says:

April 10th, 2007, 16:45 pm

I just found your blog via LifeHacker, and I instantly liked it. Please count me in and include me in the email list.

Brad Says:

April 10th, 2007, 17:35 pm

Sure, I’ll give this a try. Feel free to include me in the e-mail list. Thanks!

betsbillabong Says:

April 11th, 2007, 0:08 am

I’m afraid I *do* find the Og Mandino to be a little corny, but I think the sentiment is a good one… thanks for the idea. So I’ve instructed iCal to email me the following Thoreau quote every remaining day in April:

“As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.”–Henry David Thoreau

Leo Says:

April 11th, 2007, 0:44 am

Hi betsbillabong … I know what you mean by corny, and you don’t need to do the mantra … but the key point is to get yourself used to working on a small habit every single day for a month. The Thoreau quote is good, but I would recommend that you make it a habit to read it out loud once a day at the same time (or three times a day at the same time as I’m doing with the mantra) … this conditions you to do this as a habit. Then, you can build on the success of that habit with a new habit the following month.

Good luck!