Habits shape how we function and form our everyday routines — from how we start our mornings to how we approach challenges. But what exactly makes habits so powerful, and how can we use them to build a strong foundation for a successful school year?

Being a senior, I’ve learned firsthand how crucial habits are — not just in school, but in life. “You can have a habit of being on your phone in class or a habit of failing to do work,” I reflected. “Either way, what you do consistently and intentionally becomes your habits.”

Best-selling author James Clear, writer of Atomic Habits, defines habits as, “What you repeatedly do (i.e. what you spend time thinking about and doing each day) ultimately forms the person you are, the things you believe, and the personality that you portray.”

Now that we understand what habits are, how can we form new ones and actually make them stick?

Start Small and Easy
Small steps are the foundation of discipline. By starting with simple actions, we affirm to ourselves that we can do it and begin to show up every day.

Stack Your Habits
Habit stacking means attaching a new habit to something you already do. This might look like listening to an audiobook while cooking dinner — turning an everyday routine into an opportunity to learn and grow.

Practice Daily
Consistency is key. It’s easy to get discouraged after missing a day, but the trick is to not let inconsistency become its own habit. “The solution is to never miss twice,” Clear advises. “The faster you get back on track, the better chance you have of making the habit stick.”

Forming new habits isn’t always easy, but with the right mindset, consistency, and small daily actions, you can set yourself up for success this school year — and beyond.