When you learn to transform your habits, you can transform your life.

James Clear, Author of Atomic Habits

What’s your most repeated habit? Brushing your teeth, waking up at the same time, going for a walk every day? What if you made the habits you practice with your money as much of a priority as those that feel as easy and natural as breathing?

How would your wealth increase if you put practicing essential inner habits with money at the top of your priorities?

Habits make up the backbone of our daily life. The small decisions and daily actions define who we are and the direction our life is going. Every habit you have follows a similar pattern, a behavior set that can be broken apart and understood so that unhelpful habits can be abandoned, and helpful habits can be integrated.

In his bestselling book Atomic Habits, author James Clear teaches the Four Laws of Behavior Change. I encourage you to read this excellent book for an in-depth understanding of the following concepts:

MAKE IT OBVIOUS!

Also called “the cue”, this step is creating an action or system that gets your attention and tells you what to do next. Like lists, a note on the fridge or an alarm on your phone, a cue can capture your attention and remind you to practice one of the essential habits. An example might be setting an alarm on your phone to remind you to listen your favorite money Podcast every morning. Listening to the podcast is another cue, reminding you to manage your thoughts about money and focus on your goals.

MAKE IT ATTRACTIVE!

Also called “the craving”, this step is setting up the practice of a habit in a way that makes you really want to do it. For example, if you want to complete the Mirror Exercise every night for 30 days, think about how you could set up your environment or add it to your evening ritual in a way that motivates you. Maybe you pick your favorite mirror to look at, or light candles and put on soft music before you begin acknowledging yourself for your daily accomplishments.

Make it easy!

Also called “the response” this is about making practicing the habit easy. It doesn’t mean only doing easy things. Even when a habit seems difficult, you can create strategies to make it easier. One way is to chunk it down. For instance, take ten minutes a day to track your daily progress toward your goals and treat yourself to a beautiful new journal. Acknowledge yourself with five successes while you enjoy a favorite beverage!

Make it satisfying!

Also called “the reward” it’s easy to understand how giving yourself a reward for practicing a habit could motivate you to keep doing it. And speaking of easy, a great way to reward yourself is to praise yourself in the mirror every time you take a positive action toward your goals. Treating yourself to an ice cream cone works too but pleasing yourself and meeting your own expectations is the best reward of all.

Remember it’s progress, not perfection we are going for. When life becomes chaotic habits often go by the wayside. It’s not necessary for you to feel bad about yourself when this happens. Give yourself grace, regroup and “get back on the horse”. Sticking to practicing these positive habits can help you get through life’s inevitable bumps in the road. Remember to connect your financial choices to your values, manage your mind, and listen to your inner voice. These are powerful commitments, and practicing these inner habits will raise the amount of your wealth and the quality of your life.