#Streaks December 19

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

There are a lot of notable STREAKS in the world of sports.

The 56 game hitting STREAK of professional baseball great Joe DiMaggio. Cal Ripken Jr. STREAK of playing in 2632 consecutive baseball games. When it comes to the NBA Michael Williams over the course of two seasons for the Minnesota Timberwolves had a STREAK of 97 straight free throws.

When we form a habit creating a STREAK becomes a powerful reinforcement tool for success. Why do STREAKS have value? The answer is the fear of losing. Most coaches will tell you the fear of losing is more powerful than the thrill of winning.

When you build a habit over days, weeks and months, you feel fear if you stop. The fear comes from realizing that if you stop doing your habit you will “lose” the effort and dedication you have made so far. A second and more powerful reason can be found on the other end of the emotional spectrum, confidence. When you have a STREAK it creates confidence and self-esteem. People begin to realize that everyday their STREAK grows they belong to a more exclusive group and that fuels their habit. The concept of a STREAK was even a comedy bit in a Seinfeld episode.

Let’s get back to habits and STREAKS. James Clear in his book “Atomic Habits” talks about how small habits if done over and over again deliver powerful changes and results. An atom is very small but if combined with other atoms (habit stacking) it can become powerful.

The facts about habits based according to research is on average it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to form a habit. To get to either 18 or 254 you need a STREAK. You have to do something once before you can do it two days in a row-get started with your own STREAK!