PRODUCTIVITYDays to result

Environment Change Technique

Change your environment

Problem it solves

low productivity

Best for

Individuals looking to create an environment that supports their goals and habits

Not ideal for

Those who are unable to make significant changes to their environment

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Environment Change Technique involves making deliberate changes to one's environment to support the formation of good habits and the elimination of bad ones. By placing visual cues and reminders in strategic locations, individuals can increase their chances of success. This technique is based on the idea that our environment plays a significant role in shaping our behaviors and habits.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Small changes to the environment can have a significant impact on behavior
  2. Visual cues and reminders can increase motivation and adherence to habits
  3. The environment plays a crucial role in shaping our behaviors and habits

Steps

3 steps
  1. Identify the Habit
    Identify the habit you want to change or create. Be specific and clear about what you want to achieve.
    Pro tipStart with small, achievable goals
    WarningAvoid trying to change too many habits at once
  2. Assess Your Environment
    Take stock of your current environment and identify areas that can be improved to support your goals and habits.
    Pro tipLook for opportunities to create visual cues and reminders
    WarningBe mindful of potential obstacles and challenges
  3. Make Environment Changes
    Make deliberate changes to your environment to support your goals and habits. This can include moving furniture, placing reminders, or creating a schedule.
    Pro tipStart with small changes and build momentum
    WarningAvoid making changes that are too drastic or overwhelming

Checklist

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Examples

2 cases
Placing a reminder on the fridge

An individual places a reminder on the fridge to drink more water throughout the day. As a result, they increase their water intake and improve their overall health.

OutcomeImproved health and increased water intake
Creating a schedule

An individual creates a schedule to support their goal of exercising more regularly. By placing the schedule in a visible location, they are reminded to exercise and increase their physical activity.

OutcomeIncreased physical activity and improved overall health

Common mistakes

3 traps
Not being specific enough
Failing to clearly define the habit you want to change or create can lead to confusion and lack of progress
Not making significant enough changes
Making only minor changes to the environment may not be enough to support significant changes in behavior
Not being consistent
Failing to maintain consistency in environment changes can lead to a lack of progress and momentum

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The Environment Change Technique is rooted in the concept of habit formation and the role of environment in shaping our behaviors. By making small changes to our environment, we can create an ecosystem that supports our goals and habits.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Transform Your Habits, 2nd Edition
James Clear · 2013
Open source →

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