Habit Stacking: Adding Positive Routines to Your Day

Finally, in Atomic Habits, Clear introduces the idea of "habit stacking"—linking a new habit you want to build with an existing habit. This technique is a simple but effective way to build consistency, and as a coach, it can be a game-changer in how you help your athletes adopt new behaviors.

For example, let’s say your athletes already have a solid stretching routine at the end of practice. You can use this existing habit to add something new. Perhaps you could encourage them to spend five minutes visualizing their performance after stretching, or set aside time to work on mental focus. By linking these new habits to something they already do, you increase the chances they’ll stick.

As a coach, you can also stack your own habits. After reviewing game footage, make it a point to plan the next practice session. After each team meeting, write down three goals for the week. By stacking habits, you reduce the friction of starting something new, making it easier to integrate positive routines into your daily life.