The Domino Effect states that when you make a change to one behavior it will activate a chain reaction and cause a shift in related behaviors as well.
It capitalizes on one of the core principles of human behavior: commitment and consistency. The core idea is that if people commit to an idea or goal, even in a very small way, they are more likely to honor that commitment because they now see that idea or goal as being aligned with their self-image.
It can be created. It is within your power to spark a chain reaction of good habits by building new behaviors that naturally lead to the next successful action. There are three keys to making this work in real life. Here are the three rules of the Domino Effect:
- Start with the thing you are most motivated to do. Start with a small behavior and do it consistently. This will not only feel satisfying, but also open your eyes to the type of person you can become.
- Maintain momentum and immediately move to the next task you are motivated to finish. Let the momentum of finishing one task carry you directly into the next behaviour. With each repetition, you will become more committed to your new self-image.
- When in doubt, break things down into smaller chunks. As you try new habits, focus on keeping them small and manageable. The Domino Effect is about progress, not results. Simply maintain the momentum. Let the process repeat as one domino automatically knocks down the next.
When one habit fails to lead to the next behaviour, it is often because the behaviour does not adhere to these three rules. There are many different paths to getting dominoes to fall.
Get in the know. Subscribe to Azura for updates on the blog and the magazine.
Azura Magazine 