Habit #1: Make Time

8 Habits for Growth follows a behavior change model, consisting of three phases:

Preparation
Action
Maintenance

This habit is part of the preparation phase. It’s foundational for all the other habits in this book.

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Big Idea
Make Time. Specifically, make at least 10–15 minutes per day to work through the 8 Habits for Growth book, and once you’re done, to continue practicing these habits.

Choose Your Actions

Choose one or more of the following:

Pick a time of day when you’re alert and not likely to be distracted. Make an appointment with yourself.
Set an alarm to remind you of your daily appointment.
Post a reminder of your new habit where you’ll see it throughout the day.

Suggested Resources

Resources on Habits

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg is the first book I ever read on habits. It's entertaining and engaging. I still recommend it.
Atomic Habits by James Clear is also a favorite. Clear outlines some simple guidelines for designing habits: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. Bonus: I also love his weekly newsletter.
Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg is great at teaching how to shrink habits and make them doable. He also runs a free Tiny Habits program that’s open to anyone.
Your Future Self Will Thank You by Drew Dyck is a great look at habits from a Christian perspective.

Resources on Making Time

My top book on making time is Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky. I review it often.
I also really like Carey Nieuwhof’s book At Your Best: How to Get Time, Energy, and Priorities Working in Your Favor.

Resources on Heart Change

In How to Grow, I explain that growth is about pursuing joy and transformed desires.
Pleasures Evermore by Sam Storms reminds us that the goal of the Christian life is the enjoyment of God.
Want to find out your growth stage? Check out the Stages assessment.

Have an idea, or need support? Visit the DashHouse community.