A whirl-wind of challenges knocked me (way!) off my diet, broke my writing streak, and threw me off my gym routine. But I couldn't care less.

Because as much as I LOVE chasing the thrill of keeping a streak going, I've decided to focus on what really drives long term change: Achieving Habit Resilience.

The key to driving progress is consistency over time. The driver of consistency is creating habit RESILIENCE.

Context Independence is Key

If you only order a salad because your co-workers always go to the same salad place, how healthy do you eat on a road-trip? By forcing yourself to fulfill your habit in the face of new challenges you increase your habit's stickiness even when the context you're used to disappears.

Streaks Are Brittle

I used to bike EVERY DAY when I bike-commuted to work. But, because I never had to struggle to fit cycling into my habits when it was INCONVENIENT, once I moved beyond cycling commute range I discovered I had zero habit RESILIENCE. Most of us won't hit 1,000 days straight of anything - so being able to start again differentiates the amateur from the pro.

Less Resistance, Less Learning

Like an electric powered bicycle, a streak helps you get further with less effort and take advantage of momentum. Great! When you need a boost.. But stopping and going is literally what builds strength.