4 Proven Strategies to Make Good Habits Stick

4 Proven Strategies to Make Good Habits Stick

If you’re determined to make positive changes this year, mastering these 4 proven strategies to make good habits stick will set you on the path to success. While creating new habits can feel daunting, the right approach makes it achievable—and sustainable.

We’ve all experienced how good habits can slip away like Teflon while bad ones seem to cling like Velcro. But don’t worry—there’s a method to flipping the script. In this blog, I’ll guide you through the FEAD framework: a simple, actionable way to embed habits that last.

Whether you’re working on your personal growth or looking to become a more effective leader, these strategies will help you unlock your potential. In fact, building better habits is a cornerstone of leadership success, as we teach in the 10-4-10 Leadership Programme, where leaders learn to implement small but impactful changes over time.

The FEAD Framework: Your Blueprint for Habits That Last

To make your new habits stick, think of the acronym FEAD: Force, Eliminate, Automate, Delegate. These four steps help you overcome obstacles and build routines that fit seamlessly into your life. Let’s break it down with practical examples.

1. Force

Sometimes, getting started with a habit requires a little nudge—or a big shove. Forcing a habit into existence is about creating external cues or commitments that drive action.

• Set visual reminders. Lay out your workout clothes the night before so they’re ready to go in the morning.
• Create accountability. Work out with a friend or hire a personal trainer. Knowing someone else is depending on you increases follow-through.

By forcing the habit, you’re making it harder to skip and easier to show up.

2. Eliminate

Remove distractions or obstacles that derail your efforts. The fewer hurdles you face, the easier it is to maintain momentum.

• Reduce temptations. Keep your phone out of sight when focusing on a task or leave it in the locker at the gym.
• Simplify your environment. If you plan to exercise in the morning, place your gear where it’s easily accessible and distractions are minimised.

Eliminating blockers helps create a clear path to your goals. This is one of the strategies we explore in the 10-4-10 Leadership Programme, where leaders learn to simplify their routines for maximum impact.

3. Automate

Automation takes the decision-making out of the equation, making it easier to follow through.

• Use tech tools. Apps like Garmin or fitness trackers can plan workouts, send reminders, and track your progress automatically.
• Schedule your habits. Sign up for a recurring class or set calendar alerts for your new routine.

When the habit becomes part of your schedule, consistency becomes effortless.

4. Delegate

Enlist support to hold yourself accountable or share the load where needed.

• Partner up. Hire a coach or personal trainer who will check in on your progress.
• Use external cues. One leader I know automated their office lights to turn off at a set time to remind them to leave work and spend more time with family.

Delegation isn’t just about getting help—it’s about creating systems that support your success.

Take the First Step

Good habits don’t just happen—they’re built with intention. By following the FEAD framework, you can create routines that stick and transform your year, one small step at a time.

If you’re ready to take your leadership habits to the next level, check out the 10-4-10 Leadership Programme. This innovative course is designed to help leaders make lasting changes in just 10 minutes a day over 10 weeks, combining practical tools with real-world application.

Your Coach,