Why does starting and maintaining a streak motivate people so effectively, while breaking one has the opposite effect? Something interesting is at play. Let's dive into the power of streaks in creating habit change.
Healthy humans are constantly evolving. Taking a planned break from habits is a great way to clear the slate, refresh perspectives, and reorient your compass to the person you're becoming. Here's how (and why, and when) to do an old-fashioned system restart.
Change is disorienting. Anyone who’s trained for a marathon knows well the physical and psychological challenges of tapering (a reduction in running as the goal race nears). Same goes for restricting alcohol. You know it’s a good thing, but damn is it hard.
Consistency. Stress. Rest. Combined in the right order, with intention and direction, these three unfussy words coalesce into The Formula, the closest thing I’ve found to a universal maxim for sustainable success in sobriety, running, and all the other grueling, glorious things you’ll undertake in life.
There's a family dinner. You're close with a few folks, acquainted enough with the rest to make comfortable conversation. Comfortable, that is, until someone lobs the inevitable, "How's the running?" You flush. A rush of feelings and emotions wash over.
