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Hello there,
You know how we've been speaking about making this year the year for growth? Well, this week let’s dive into Jeff Bezos's approach to consistency, as it offers valuable growth insights. What's fascinating is how it aligns perfectly with cognitive psychology's understanding of habit formation. Let me break this down for you with both practical wisdom and scientific backing.
I'll be honest. I used to think being consistent was about willpower alone, but neuroscience tells us something different. Research from Stanford's Behaviour Design Lab shows that motivation follows action, not the other way around. What changed for me was understanding that our brains are wired to conserve energy and resist change – a concept called "cognitive miserliness" in psychology.
Jeff Bezos's approach actually mirrors what behavioural scientists call "implementation intentions" – specific plans that bridge the gap between our intentions and actions. I've found that building systems isn't just about productivity; it's about working with our brain's natural tendency to form neural pathways through repetition.
One thing I always remind myself? It's okay to stumble. Psychologists call this the "what-the-hell effect" – when we break a streak and feel tempted to give up entirely. The key is understanding that consistency isn't about perfection; it's about building "behavioural momentum."
Bezos's success wasn't just built on business acumen – it unknowingly leveraged fundamental principles of behavioural psychology. Let's explore how:
This is one of Bezos’s genius moves. He starts with a clear vision of what success looks like and then figures out the steps to get there.
This aligns with what psychologists call "mental contrasting" – a scientifically validated technique where you envision your desired future and then identify the obstacles standing in your way. this approach makes you 2-3 times more likely to achieve your goals.
Let's do this:
Write down your goal as if you've already achieved it. Then map out the potential obstacles and specific actions to overcome them.
In psychological terms, this mirrors the concept of "positive reinforcement loops" and "habit stacking." When we link new habits to existing ones, we're actually utilising what neuroscientists call "synaptic plasticity" – our brain's ability to form new neural connections through repeated behaviours.
Your challenge:
Pick one habit that feels manageable and let it snowball into something bigger. Start tiny, and let the momentum grow naturally.
This approach aligns with the psychological principle of "satisficing" – making decisions that are good enough rather than perfect. Excessive deliberation often leads to decision paralysis and reduced satisfaction with our choices.
Bezos talks about two types of decisions:
Type 1: Big, irreversible ones.
Type 2: Small, low-stakes ones you can tweak later.
Habits are Type 2. Don't overthink them. If you're trying a new workout or morning routine and it's not clicking, no big deal, just adjust.
Quick action plan:
Pick a habit today and give it a fortnight. If it's working, keep it. If not, switch it up. Simple as that.
This one's a Bezos classic. He says, "Double the number of experiments, and you'll double your inventiveness." Research in behavioural psychology supports this through what's called "variability of practice" – trying different approaches helps us learn and adapt more effectively.
Morning workouts not your cup of tea? Try evenings. Writing feels like a chore? Talk into your phone instead. It's all about finding what fits you.
Let's make it fun:
Commit to experimenting with one habit this month. It's not about failing—it's about finding what sticks.
Here's where we can take a page out of Bezos's playbook: master the fundamentals.
This aligns with the psychological concept of "foundational behaviours" – core habits that support broader life changes.
Think of it like this: good sleep, clear plans, and a solid morning routine are your foundation. Neuroscience shows that quality sleep, for instance, enhances decision-making and willpower by up to 62%.
Start here:
Pick one "basic" habit, such as packing your lunch or laying out your workout gear the night before, and make it non-negotiable.
Building consistency isn't just about willpower – it's about understanding how your brain works. Here are three scientifically-backed strategies:
Research by psychologist Peter Gollwitzer shows that people who use "if-then" planning are up to 300% more likely to achieve their goals.
Action Step:
Instead of "I will exercise," try "If it's 18:00 on weekdays, then I will exercise for 20 minutes."
Behavioural scientist Katy Milkman's research shows that pairing something you need to do with something you want to do increases follow-through by 29-51%.
Action Step:
Only listen to your favourite podcast while exercising or doing household chores.
Behavioural architecture research shows that making bad habits 20 seconds harder to start can significantly reduce their occurrence.
Action Step:
Create what psychologists call "environmental constraints" – like keeping your mobile in another room while working.
Recent studies in neuroscience show that positive reinforcement activates the brain's reward centres, strengthening neural pathways associated with new habits.
Action Step:
Identify a reward for sticking to your habit for a week or a month. It doesn't have to be grand – even a special coffee or a film night can keep you motivated.
Use OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) combined with what psychologists call "implementation monitoring" – tracking specific behaviours rather than outcomes.
Action Step:
Attach a quantifiable metric to your habit. Instead of "Read more," try "Read 10 pages every evening." This gives you something concrete to aim for.
Pro Tip:
Check your progress weekly to identify patterns or challenges.
This book is perfect if you're looking to create systems and habits that align with your goals. Clear breaks down the science of habit formation and provides actionable strategies to make small changes that lead to big results.
What's dangerous is not to evolve.
(Plus recommended reading: "Atomic Habits" by James Clear – which bridges Bezos's practical approach with the science of behaviour change)
Consistency isn't about massive leaps or overnight success. It's about small, deliberate actions that build unstoppable momentum over time. Here's how you can embrace Bezos-inspired principles, backed by psychological research:
With these strategies, you can create your own "flywheel" of growth, turning consistent actions into incredible outcomes. Remember, even the smallest step forward is a step in the right direction.
Here's to a year of steady wins,
Writer, The Success Method
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