How to Build Habits153habit, I realized something. Making my bed made a huge differ-
ence in my day and my home. Because my bed was nicely made, I
stopped dumping things on it as I walked through my bedroom.
So did everyone else in my family.
I bought pretty baskets for my kids to put their blan-
kets and animals in. The morning mess was gone. I kept my
night table tidy to match my tidy bed. I kept the couch tidier
because my bed and night table were tidier. One thing led to
another, and the next thing I knew, my room was consist-
ently clean. It felt peaceful. I could get in my bed at night,
and if everything else had gone wrong that day, at least I
knew I’d made my bed.
I know what you’re thinking...
Wow. Bed making. This sure is captivating stuff, Kat. I’m
on the edge of my seat here...
Stick with me. Author Charles Duhigg calls a habit like
this a keystone habit— one small change that initiates a dom-
ino effect influencing everything around it.^8
We change our lives the same way we build a bonfire. Start
small until it catches, and add to the flame bit by bit. If you
want to change your life, focus all your efforts on one keystone
habit, and let it lay the foundation for growth in every other
area of your life.
Tool 5: Keep It Fun
Frankly, if your new habit is not fun in some way, you’re
going to wear down your willpower eventually. How can you
make what you do fun? Listen to an audiobook or podcast
while you work out. Study a section of Scripture or a biblical
topic that excites you. Listen to worship music that ignites