WOW 🤩 : When the Author Joins us in a GROW Book Club Session!!!

It was so exciting last night to have the author of February's book join our weekly Zoom call 🤩

What if transforming your life wasn’t about big, overwhelming changes—but instead, small, sustainable habits?

In our latest GROW Virtual Book Club session, we had the absolute privilege of diving into The Habit Revolution - with author Dr. Gina Cleo!!

Gina's research-backed insights into behavior change showed us why habits—not motivation—are the key to long-term success.

What GROW Members Asked & Learned

During the session, GROW members were curious about how long it truly takes to form a habit and whether breaking bad habits requires different strategies than building good ones.

Dr. Gina clarified that while the popular "21-day rule" is a myth, research shows it takes an average of 66 days for a habit to become automatic.

Members also explored how to reset after slipping up, and the importance of self-compassion in long-term habit success.

Many participants shared personal insights on how small tweaks—like setting visual reminders or using habit-tracking apps—help them stay consistent.

The biggest takeaway? 

Habits aren’t about perfection; they’re about persistence.

From breaking bad habits to building positive ones that stick, here are five major takeaways from our discussion:

1. Why Willpower Alone Doesn’t Work

Many of us believe that if we just try harder, we’ll be able to stick to a new habit. But Dr. Gina explained that willpower is like a battery—it drains quickly. Instead of relying on motivation, we need to design our environment in a way that makes habits effortless.

💡 Key Insight: Set up your surroundings to support your habits. Want to drink more water? Keep a bottle on your desk. Trying to eat healthier? Make nutritious snacks easy to grab.

📌 Try This: Identify one habit you struggle with and change your environment to make it easier.

2. The 3-Step Habit Loop: Cue, Routine, Reward

Every habit—good or bad—follows a predictable pattern:

• Cue: A trigger that reminds you to do the behavior.

• Routine: The actual behavior you perform.

• Reward: The benefit or feeling you get from completing the habit.

💡 Key Insight: If you want to break a habit, disrupt the cue. If you want to build a habit, make the reward satisfying.

📌 Try This: Pair a new habit with something enjoyable—like listening to a podcast only when you go for a walk.

3. Stacking Habits for Maximum Success

One of the most effective ways to build a habit is to attach it to something you already do.

💡 Key Insight: Habit stacking helps you integrate new behaviors seamlessly into your day. For example, if you already brush your teeth at night, you can use that time to also reflect on three things you’re grateful for.

📌 Try This: Fill in this sentence: After I [existing habit], I will [new habit]. Example: After I make my morning coffee, I will write down my top three priorities for the day.

4. The Magic of Repetition and Tiny Wins

Consistency is more important than intensity. Dr. Gina emphasized that habits are formed through repetition, not perfection. Even small, 1% improvements add up over time.

💡 Key Insight: Missing a day is okay—just don’t miss two. Progress compounds over time, so keep showing up.

📌 Try This: Commit to a tiny version of your habit daily. Want to read more? Just read one page. Want to exercise? Do five squats. The key is showing up.

5. Accountability and Social Support Make a Difference

Dr. Gina shared research showing that habits are easier to stick to when you have accountability. Whether it’s a friend, a coach, or a community (like GROW!), having others on the journey with you increases your chances of success.

💡 Key Insight: Surround yourself with people who reinforce the habits you want to build.

📌 Try This: Find an accountability partner and check in weekly about one habit you’re working on.

The Habit Revolution Starts Now

The biggest lesson from The Habit Revolution?

 

Change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By making small, intentional shifts, you can create lasting habits that transform your life.

✨ What’s one habit you’ll start working on this week?

Drop a comment and let’s support each other! 🚀

 

...and if you LOVE the idea of a weekly dose of inspiration from amazing books, stimulating discussions and a fun like-minded community, then click here to join us and experience the magic of sessions like this on GROW.

From just $9 for the first month.

Dream Big 💛

PS: This guided Habit Journal is an amazing tool to help you...