Introduction

Good intentions are easy. Sticking to them? Not so much. Many of us start new habits at work — like checking emails only twice a day or blocking off focus hours — only to fall back into old routines within weeks.

The truth is, habits that last aren’t built on willpower alone. They’re shaped by structure, triggers, and small wins. Here are 5 proven ways to build habits that actually stick at work.

1. Start Small, Not Big

The biggest mistake is going too big too fast. Instead of saying “I’ll write for two hours every day,” start with just 10 minutes. Small habits are easier to commit to — and they naturally expand over time.

💡 Pro Tip: Focus on consistency, not intensity. Ten minutes daily beats two hours once a month.

2. Use Habit Stacking

One of the easiest ways to make a habit stick is to attach it to something you already do. For example: “After I check Slack in the morning, I’ll review my task board.” This makes the habit automatic because it rides on top of an existing routine.

💡 Pro Tip: Write your habit stack as a sentence: “After I [current habit], I will [new habit].”

3. Make It Visible

Out of sight, out of mind. If you want a new work habit to stick, create visual reminders. Pin a sticky note on your screen, set up a calendar reminder, or create a recurring task in your project tool.

💡 Pro Tip: Visibility = accountability. If your habit is in front of you, you’ll be less likely to forget it.