8 Habits for Growth follows a behavior change model, consisting of three phases:
- Preparation
- Action
- Maintenance
This habit is part of the preparation phase. It’s foundational for all the other habits in this book.
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Big Idea: Make Time. Specifically, make at least 10–15 minutes per day to work through the 8 Habits for Growth book, and once you’re done, to continue practicing these habits.
Choose Your Actions
Choose one or more of the following:
- Pick a time of day when you’re alert and not likely to be distracted. Make an appointment with yourself.
- Set an alarm to remind you of your daily appointment.
- Post a reminder of your new habit where you’ll see it throughout the day.
Suggested Resources
Resources on Habits
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg is the first book I ever read on habits. It's entertaining and engaging. I still recommend it.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear is also a favorite. Clear outlines some simple guidelines for designing habits: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. Bonus: I also love his weekly newsletter.
- Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg is great at teaching how to shrink habits and make them doable. He also runs a free Tiny Habits program that’s open to anyone.
- Your Future Self Will Thank You by Drew Dyck is a great look at habits from a Christian perspective.
Resources on Making Time
- My top book on making time is Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky. I review it often.
- I also really like Carey Nieuwhof’s book At Your Best: How to Get Time, Energy, and Priorities Working in Your Favor.
Resources on Heart Change
- In How to Grow, I explain that growth is about pursuing joy and transformed desires.
- Pleasures Evermore by Sam Storms reminds us that the goal of the Christian life is the enjoyment of God.
- Want to find out your growth stage? Check out the Stages assessment.
Have an idea, or need support? Visit the Gospel for Life community.