Systems for success

Which of the following is an example of optimising your physical environment to support a habit?

• Joining a gym

• Placing your workout clothes where you can see them in the morning

• Asking a friend to remind you to work out

• Watching a motivational video before exercising

What is the best way to leverage your social environment to develop a positive habit?

• Spend time with people who already practice the habit

• Avoid social interactions altogether

• Regularly explain your goals to others without taking action

• Rely only on self-discipline

Which strategy best aligns with “matching your circumstances to yourself”?

• Adopting someone else’s routine exactly as they follow it

• Creating a system that fits your personality and current life situation

• Ignoring your preferences to follow the hardest possible routine

• Waiting for ideal conditions before starting

Changing your environment can be more effective than relying on motivation to build a habit.

• True

• False

Joining a group with shared values can help make habits stick.

• True

• False

If you’re busy, it’s better to wait for a less stressful time to start a new habit.

• True

• False

What’s a simple way to adjust your physical environment to support a healthy eating habit?

• Wait until you’re motivated to start eating healthy

• Buy more cookbooks

• Put junk food within arm’s reach

• Place healthy snacks in visible, easy-to-reach places

Willpower is the most reliable way to maintain habits over time.

• True

• False

Small habits compound over time to create significant changes.

• True

• False

What is Scott Adams’ key advice about goals versus systems?

• Goals are better because they provide clear outcomes.

• Systems are better because they focus on daily improvement.

• Goals and systems are equally effective.

• Neither goals nor systems matter if you work hard enough.