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Keystone Habits: The Secret to Success

If you’re like most people, you probably have a few bad habits that you’d like to break. But did you know some habits can help you achieve your goals? These are called keystone habits, and they can have a ripple effect on other areas of your life.

Take Warren Buffett, for example. He’s one of the most successful investors in history. His keystone habit is reading 500 pages a day. He credits this habit for much of his success, saying that it’s helped him become “a better thinker and investor.”

Or, consider Oprah Winfrey, another massively successful individual. Her keystone habit is starting each day with gratitude. She believes that by focusing on what’s good in her life, she can attract even more good things.

Grab your coffee as I delve deeper into the topic!

Scrap of paper with the words "New Week New Goals" next to pens and a cup of coffee

Examples of Keystone Habits That Can Help You in Life

One keystone habit that can help you in life is developing a positive attitude. When you have a positive attitude, it will radiate to other areas of your life. You will be more likely to take risks and succeed in whatever you do. A positive attitude is contagious and can help you achieve success in other areas of your life.

colorful journal laying on a table with the words "be happy and smile"

Another keystone habit that can help you succeed in life is developing a strong work ethic. When you have a strong work ethic, it shows in everything you do. You will be more likely to put in the extra effort and get the job done right. Others will notice your strong work ethic, and it will help you achieve success in your career.

A third keystone habit that can help you to be successful in life is to be organized. When you are organized, it shows in everything you do. You will be more likely to get things done on time and meet deadlines.

How Do You Identify Your Keystone Habits?

There are a few key questions you can ask yourself to help identify your keystone habits:

1. What activities or behaviors do you find yourself regularly doing?

2. What activities or behaviors do you feel are essential to your well-being or success?

3. What activities or behaviors do you enjoy and feel good about after doing them?

4. What activities or behaviors do you find yourself consistently drawn to, even when you don’t necessarily feel like doing them?

5. What activities or behaviors make the biggest impact in your life, either positive or negative?

Answering these questions can help you identify which activities or behaviors are keystone habits for you. Once you’ve identified your keystone habits, you can then begin to work on developing them further (with a habit journal!).

Colorful and whimsical text spells out "Think It, Want it, Get it" as a motivational message

How to Start Incorporating Keystone Habits Into Your Daily Routine

1. Pick one keystone habit to focus on at a time

Changing too many things at once can be overwhelming, so it’s best to start with just one habit. For example, if you want to start exercising more, plan to walk for 30 minutes each day.

2. Set realistic goals

Don’t try to make too drastic of a change all at once. If you’re not used to exercising, setting a goal of working out for an hour every day is probably not realistic. Start small and gradually increase your activity level over time, tracking your progress.

Colorful and whimsical text spells out "Slow and Steady" as a motivational message

3. Make it easy on yourself

Choose a convenient time for your keystone habit. It shouldn’t require too much effort. For example, if you want to start walking in the morning, pick a close route to your home or office.

4. Get Accountability partners

Find someone who also wants to make a change in their life and hold each other accountable. This could be a friend, family member, or even an online support group.

5. Reward yourself

Celebrate your success along the way! When you reach a milestone, such as walking for 30 days in a row, treat yourself to something special. This will help you stay motivated and on track.

Making keystone habits a part of your daily routine can be challenging, but it’s worth it! These habits can have a positive ripple effect on other areas of your life, helping you achieve your goals. So pick one habit to focus on and start making a change today.

The benefits of having keystone habits in your life

1. Keystone habits can help you develop other good habits

When you have a keystone habit in place, it can help you develop other good habits. For example, you’re more likely to develop healthy eating habits if you exercise regularly.

2. Keystone habits can help you stick to your goals

If you have a keystone habit in place, it can help you stick to your goals. For example, if you exercise regularly, you’re more likely to stay motivated to eat healthily and lose weight.

3. Keystone habits can help you overcome obstacles

If you have a keystone habit in place, it can help you overcome obstacles. For example, if you exercise regularly, you’re more likely to stick with it even when you’re tired or don’t feel like it.

Colorful and whimsical text spells out "Keep On Going" as a motivational message related to keystone habits

4. Keystone habits can help you build better relationships

If you have a keystone habit in place, it can help you build better relationships. For example, you’re more likely to meet new people and make friends if you exercise regularly.

5. Keystone habits can help you live a happier and healthier life

If you have a keystone habit in place, it can help you live a happier and healthier life. For example, you’re more likely to be happier and healthier if you exercise regularly.

Summary

If you want to adopt a keystone habit, keep a few things in mind. First, it is important to start small. Trying to make too many changes at once is often overwhelming and can lead to failure.

It’s also important to be patient. Habits take time to develop, so it is important to give yourself some grace as you work on developing them. 

Finally, it is important to find a support system. Having someone to help encourage and motivate you can be extremely helpful when trying to establish new habits. Go ahead and implement a few keystone habits. You’ll thank me later!

Julie Kendrick
Julie Kendrick