I recently learned of the book Elastic Habits by Stephen Guise.
The premise of the book is that we should have a limited number of flexible habits.
Each day, we have options surrounding three habits we want to keep.
This allows us to adapt on a day-to-day basis to be more likely to keep the habits over time.
“Elastic habits will expand or bend on any day, but they won’t break. Make your habits elastic, and you won’t ever go back to the rigid ways of the past.” – Stephen Guise
The first step is to pick a single goal.
Then, the book suggests a nine-box approach.
Down the rows there are three habits that would move you toward the goal.
Across the columns there are three levels of intensity – mini, plus, and elite (level of time involved).
You then fill in the nine squares for each habit and intensity level.
Every day, you choose which box “fits” your day.
The flexible system allows us to leverage our shifting energy levels and accomplish regular wins.
Over time, we move closer to the goal we set.
My Perspective
This approach is interesting as it combines willpower and waypower from the hope equation.
The choice across the nine options can help our willpower.
If we don’t want to do something, there are other options.
The choices themselves provide the waypower, the alternate approaches to the same goal.
The question I have about the system is decision fatigue.
Might some people be overwhelmed with the decision each day?
For them it might be easier to have a set routine that is always the same.
Overall, I think this approach might work better for certain tendencies than for others.
Your Turn
What do you think about the Elastic Habit approach?
Do you think you would be more likely to keep a habit with the flexibility of daily choice?
Is there a habit you are starting right now that might be a good candidate for this approach?