Environment Design

We like to think that we do what we do because of who we are.

But in reality, we often do what we do because of where we are.

The triggers in your surroundings are constantly nudging you in different directions¹.

For instance:

• If you have cookies on your kitchen counter, you’re likely to eat them.
• If you have credit cards in your wallet, you’re likely to spend money.
• If you have games on your phone, you’re likely to play them.

In many ways, you shape your environment, and then your environment shapes you.

So, ensure that your surroundings support your intentions.

Make good habits easy to do and bad habits hard to do.

That way, you’ll routinely do what you want yourself to do — without even thinking about it.

Footnote

1. Nudge by Richard Thaler & Cass Sunstein