Performance Tool: 7 Steps to Building Unbreakable High-Performance Habits

The 7 Principles Behind Unbreakable High-Performance Habits

The 7 Principles Behind Unbreakable High-Performance Habits

Drawing on Abi’s session and behavioural science, these seven principles consistently show up in people who sustain habits long term:

1. Know Your Why

If the reason isn’t strong, the habit won’t survive pressure.

2. Define What Success Looks Like

Vague goals don’t activate focus. Be specific.

3. Schedule and Commit

If it’s not scheduled, it’s optional.

4. Remove Friction and Derailers

Use IF–THEN planning to pre-empt disruption.

5. Automate and Build Systems

Reduce choice. Reduce thinking. Increase consistency.

6. Celebrate Progress

The brain repeats what it rewards.

7. Focus on Consistency, Not Intensity

Repetition builds neural pathways. Momentum beats motivation.

Behavioural scientist BJ Fogg reinforces this idea: small, repeatable behaviours compound faster than ambitious habits that fail under pressure.

A High-Performance Reframe

The goal isn’t perfect habits.
The goal is fast recovery.

High performers don’t avoid disruption — they build habits that return quickly, even after a wobble.

That’s what makes them sustainable.

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References & Further Reading

• Susan Michie et al. (2011) — The COM-B Model of Behaviour Change
• Atomic Habits — James Clear
• Tiny Habits — BJ Fogg
• The Power of Habit — Charles Duhigg

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