The first mistake is never the one that ruins you. It is the spiral of repeated mistakes that follows. Missing one day in keeping a habit is an accident. Missing twice is the start of a new habit.

When your habits break down

Is a simple and effective thing to do if you want to stick with a habit for good. No matter the format (calendar, journal, app), it provides immediate evidence whether you are making progress or need to change course.

Habit tracking

<ol>
<li>It creates a visual cue that can remind you to act.</li>
<li>It is motivating to see the progress you are making. You don't want to break your streak.</li>
<li>It feels satisfying to record your success in the moment.</li></ol>

The power of habit tracking:

<ol><li>Manual tracking should be limited to your most important habits.  </li><li>Record each measurement immediately after the habit occurs.  </li></ol>

To make habit tracking easier:

This article includes an excerpt from Atomic Habits, my New York Times bestselling book. If you want to stick with a habit for good, one simple and effective thing you can do is keep a habit tracker. Here's why: Elite performers will often measure, quantify, and track their progress in various ways.

When your habits break down

Similar ideas to When your habits break down

Stick with Good Habits Every Day

Don't Break the Chain

How To Build Good Habits?