Building Keystone Habit & Boredom

This is the valley where many quit including me- it is in the human nature to seek comfort in the valley of disappointment to avoid boredom and reality. Pause and reflect with intention. Lay your bricks in accordance to Islam.

In a Boxing Match With Sleep

In the journey of self-improvement, understanding and harnessing the power of keystone habits can be transformative. A keystone habit is a single, powerful habit that naturally leads to the development of other positive habits. For me, this keystone habit is maintaining a consistent sleeping pattern. When my sleep schedule is on track, everything else falls into place effortlessly. Focus in identifying in what brings your full human potential and self-confidence. Sleep is my battle, knocked off many times

The Chain of Sleep

Keystone habits are fundamental because they create a domino effect. When you successfully establish and maintain a keystone habit, it naturally boosts your self-confidence and makes other habits easier to adopt. Charles Duhigg, in his book The Power of Habit, dedicates an entire chapter to the concept of keystone habits, highlighting their significant impact on our lives. Similarly, James Clear, in Atomic Habits, emphasises the importance of maintaining streaks and not breaking the chain to ensure consistent habit formation.

For me, a consistent sleep pattern is the keystone habit that sets the tone for the rest of my day. If my sleep is disrupted, I struggle to maintain other habits. Missing two nights of good sleep can derail my progress, making it challenging to get back on track. This keystone habit is crucial because it affects my mood, energy levels, and overall productivity. When my sleep schedule is consistent, I start my day with a series of positive habits. Drinking hot lemonade before sunrise becomes a natural routine, and I feel more inclined to go for a morning walk. These health habits, in turn, boost my self-confidence and enhance my productivity throughout the day. I hope from Allah that this keystone habit becomes the main brick that holds the foundation of character development.

Sleep Domino

Not the Domino pizza! A keystone habit, like a well-maintained sleep pattern, triggers a series of other beneficial habits. It acts as the first domino that sets off a chain reaction of positive behaviors. When you conquer your sleep, you set yourself up for success in other areas of your life. This aligns with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who emphasized the blessings of the early hours of the morning. By establishing a solid sleep routine, you can harness the power of the early morning and maximize your performance.

Maintaining a consistent sleep pattern is a battle between the body and mind. It requires discipline and determination, but the rewards are immense. When you prioritize your keystone habit, you build a foundation for other habits to flourish. As James Clear mentions, keeping a streak is vital. Each day you maintain your keystone habit, you strengthen your ability to adopt and sustain other positive habits.

Yielding Mindset in a Valley

In Atomic Habits, James Clear introduces the concept of the "Plateau of Latent Potential," a powerful idea that helps us understand the hidden progress we make while developing new habits. The graph illustrates how our efforts often yield little visible results initially, leading to what Clear terms the "Valley of Disappointment." During this period, it feels as though our hard work is not paying off, which can be incredibly discouraging. However, as Muslims, this valley is a temporary valley but we must keep going like a traveler as our prophet taught us.

The Plateau of Latent Potential graph depicts two axes: progress over time. Initially, the line representing progress is flat, showing minimal visible improvement. This flat period is the Valley of Disappointment, where many people give up because they don’t see immediate results. However, this valley must be crossed to reach the point where habits start to compound and significant progress becomes evident.

The Valley of Disappointment is a critical phase in habit formation. It's during this period that your perseverance is tested. You may feel like you're not making any headway despite consistent effort. However, every small action you take is building up latent potential. It’s like an ice cube slowly melting; the temperature needs to rise steadily before the ice starts to melt visibly. Similarly, your efforts are accumulating beneath the surface, ready to burst forth as visible progress once you cross the valley.

Crossing the Valley

The length and duration of the Valley of Disappointment vary for each person, depending on their unique circumstances and the habits they are trying to build. The choices you make every day—sticking to your keystone habit, showing up consistently, and maintaining your streak—directly influence how quickly you can cross this valley. It’s essential to remember that you have the talent and ability, but it’s the consistent, small choices that will ultimately determine your success.

To navigate the Plateau of Latent Potential, you must embrace the Valley of Disappointment. Understand that visible progress might be delayed, but this doesn’t mean your efforts are wasted. Keep pushing forward, maintain your keystone habits, and trust in the process. Every action you take is a step closer to breaking through the plateau and realizing your full potential. By making deliberate, consistent choices, you will eventually see the fruits of your labor and achieve the lasting change you desire. Await your reward from Allah, as you cross the valley, cross with intentions and remembrance.