Hey Run Staters,
(do we hate this or are we comfortable being addressed as such? I think I’m not a fan but we’re trying it on for size anyways.)
We’re one week into our Tiny Habit Challenge, and if you’re like me, you’ve probably realized something: consistency isn’t hard because of the habit itself - it's hard because of the friction around it.
I committed to going outside for five minutes a day this August. That’s it. Five minutes. Easy, right?
Except… on those mornings when my brain wakes up with a full-blown to-do list, it’s been really tempting to just skip it.
What’s been helping? I do a quick brain dump into my phone's Notes app, get all the “I should be doing XYZ” out of my head, and then I can step outside, guilt-free, into the garden for a timed five minutes.
Friction is the Bottleneck
In supply chain, we’re constantly looking for bottlenecks - the points where things slow down, pile up, or get stuck. It's rarely the task itself (picking, packing, shipping) that's the problem. It's the handoffs, the waiting, the unclear processes - that’s the friction.
Same goes for habits. You’re not avoiding the habit. You’re stuck in the friction between “I should” and “I’m doing.” In operations, we reduce friction by simplifying workflows, standardizing tasks, and making resources easily accessible.
Oh, if only you could somehow do the same thing for yourself!
(you can, it’s the next paragraph)
Reducing Habit Friction
Here are some ways to streamline your personal habit supply chain:
Brain Dump Buffer - If your mind’s racing, take 2 minutes to jot down what’s bugging you. Clears space for action. This is 100% me and I have more lists than a normal person should, but it keeps me sane.
Keep Tools Handy - Whether it’s your walking shoes or your water bottle, stage your “habit gear” where you can’t miss it. I started leaving my fav weeder in the backyard by the door :)
Automate Decisions - Set a recurring phone reminder or calendar block. Don’t rely on “I’ll remember.”
Shrink the Task, Ruthlessly - If your habit feels like a mountain, shave it down. Five minutes, one stretch, one note. Tiny wins stack.
Batch Your Friction Points - If you can’t ever find time for your new habit, try to tie it on to something you already do every day. For example, right after you brush your teeth in the morning or as soon as you get home from work. Make it part of a chain of events.
It’s not about willpower. It’s about building a process that flows. So if you’re hitting resistance this week - that’s OK! You’ve found your bottleneck. Now it’s time to fix it.
You’re doing better than you think. Let’s keep this habit chain moving.
