We make the mistake of believing that sticking to good habits is an all-or-nothing game. For example: we assume that if we slip up on our diet, then we have ruined the whole thing.

These beliefs are incorrect, because consistency does not require perfection.

When it comes to building good habits and breaking bad habits, individual mistakes don't matter in the long-run; it's the second mistake that is far more important.

One mistake is just an outlier. Two mistakes represent the beginning of a pattern.

• Put all of your energy toward starting the positive desired behavior.
• Take motivation out of the equation and set a schedule for your behavior.
• Eliminate the things that take you off track. Some emergencies can’t be avoided, but there are many daily distractions th...