Never Crack a Habit The Key to Consistency #motivation #dothingsyoudontwanttodo #mindset #2026

On The Diary of a CEO, Chris Williamson argues that consistency is the ultimate competitive advantage because it is rarer than talent or enthusiasm. He describes consistency as the "least common trait" among high achievers, noting that while many people have bursts of motivation, very few can maintain a habit for a decade. His advice on not breaking habits centers on the following core principles: 1. Build "Undeniable Proof" Chris emphasizes that you cannot "think" your way into confidence; you must act your way into it. He suggests making incredibly small promises to yourself that are impossible to break. The Strategy: Set a bar so low that you can’t say no to it (e.g., "I will put my gym shoes on," not "I will run 5 miles"). The Goal: To build a "stack of undeniable proof" that you are the type of person who keeps their word. 2. The "Never Miss Twice" Rule Recognizing that life is unpredictable, Chris advocates for a pragmatic approach to streaks. The Logic: Missing one day is an accident; missing two days is the start of a new habit. The Fix: If you break a habit once, your only priority the next day is to get back on track, no matter how small the effort. 3. Productivity through Subtraction In his most recent 2026 appearance, Chris introduced the idea that consistency fails because people try to add habits to an already full life. The Framework: He uses a "buffet plate" analogy—your capacity is finite. To pick up a new habit, you must "put something down" first. The Result: Consistency becomes easier when you aren't fighting a state of constant overwhelm.