Troubleshooting New Habits: What to Do When You Slip
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Even high-performers slip, especially when building a new content creation habit or stepping into executive presence. But Unforgettable leaders? They don’t disappear. They reset. Because in this universe, we know: Every slip is a signal, not a stop sign. Here’s how to get back on track, using science-backed strategies and our signature tools.
Common Obstacles to New Habits (and Content Routines)
Distraction: Notifications, endless tabs, and daily chaos can derail your focus, whether you’re trying to post on LinkedIn or draft your next authority article.
Inconsistency: Travel, deadlines, or “just one busy week” can break your content streak and stall your digital influence.
Lack of Clarity: Vague goals like “create more content” or “be more visible” don’t stick. Your brain (and brand) need specifics and a clear “why.”
What Doesn’t Work
Ghosting your audience. Waiting for inspiration to strike.Telling yourself, “I’ll catch up next month.” These are all habits, too, but the kind that erode visibility and trust.
Four Science-Backed Resets to Get Back on Track
1. Habit Stacking (James Clear, 2018)
Pair your new content habit with an existing routine.→ Example: After your morning coffee, open your Dream Planner and jot a LinkedIn post draft.
2. Environment Design (BJ Fogg, 2019)
Shape your physical and digital environment to support your routines.→ Example: Set your Notion content tracker as your homepage. Keep your prompt jar on your desk.
3. Accountability Anchors
Share your goals using the Identity Commitment Contract or with your Unforgettable community.→ Research shows (Harkin et al., 2016) that public commitment and regular progress tracking double your chances of sticking with habits.
4. Micro-Habits + Reset Rituals
When you slip, shrink the task and celebrate the reset.→ Example: Missed a post? Repurpose a comment. Log the win. Return to your Clarity Anchor tomorrow.
Growth Mindset & Self-Compassion: The Unforgettable Way
Growth mindset (Dweck, 2006): See every slip as a signal, not a failure. Each reset is a rep for your resilience and visibility muscle.
Self-compassion (Neff, 2011): Treat yourself like a teammate, not a tyrant. Self-kindness actually increases follow-through.
In the Unforgettable program, we teach: Progress isn’t lost—it’s just paused.Every reset is a leadership signal—to yourself and your audience.
FAQ
Q: How do I get back on track after missing a brand habit or content post?
A: Start small. Use habit stacking or a micro-habit (like a 2-minute post or a single comment). Log it in your Dream Planner. Celebrate the reset.
Q: What if I keep slipping on the same routine?
A: Re-check your clarity and environment. Are your cues visible? Is your goal specific? Are you leveraging the Identity Commitment Contract?
Q: How do I avoid the “all-or-nothing” trap?
A: Drop perfection. Consistency builds digital authority—micro-habits and resets included.
References
Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits. Avery.
Fogg, B.J. (2019). Tiny Habits. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Dweck, C.S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
Harkin, B., et al. (2016). “Does monitoring goal progress promote goal attainment?” Psychological Bulletin, 142(2), 198–229.
Neff, K.D. (2011). Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. William Morrow.
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