Change a habit - Change the trigger

New research tells us what we knew already, changing a habit is hard.  Turns out, it is easier to identify the trigger and avoid it, rather than try to override the urge.
 
Pay attention to your environment.
If you are trying to add something to your life, such as taking a multivitamin each morning, place the bottle beside your toothbrush.
If you are trying to stop doing something, avoid the trigger. For example, if you eat a drive-through breakfast every day, change your route to work so you don't see that restaurant.
 
At work:
If you want a team member to start asking people, "Is there anything else I can do for you?" put a post-it beside their phone.
If you want to stop reacting to a team member during a coaching session, have your conversation in a new location or swap chairs for the interaction.
 
I need to go throw out my Easter chocolates.  It might be easier than trying to resist...