Episode Summary:

In this episode of Leaderish: Leadership Lessons Straight Up, Doris and Regina dig into the power of habits—how they’re formed, how they stick, and how to replace the ones holding us back. Drawing from James Clear’s Atomic Habits, Dr. Wendy Wood’s research, and their own real-life stories, they uncover what it really takes to build high-powered habits that shape identity, fuel growth, and create lasting change.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why habits compound like interest—tiny gains over time add up to big results.
• The truth about how long it really takes to form a habit (hint: it’s not 21 days).
• Why you can’t simply “quit” a habit—you have to replace it.
• How identity-based habits (“I am a non-smoker” vs. “I’m trying to quit”) transform your mindset.
• Practical ways to keep momentum, even when you miss a day.
• Real-life stories about building writing routines, replacing unhealthy habits, and creating accountability.

Sequence:

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

00:20 Diving into Habits

01:38 Understanding Tiny Gains

02:52 Breaking Bad Habits

05:54 Replacing Habits

10:08 The Power of Identity

12:29 Building a Blogging Habit

14:49 Positive Reinforcement

18:06 Maintaining Podcasting Habits

19:09 Building Habits with Positive Reinforcement

19:19 Overcoming Challenges in Habit Formation

19:45 Motion vs. Action: The Key to Progress

20:14 Small Steps Lead to Big Changes

23:20 Pairing Habits for Success

26:34 The Importance of Consistency

33:02 Identity and Habit Transformation

34:06 Testing New Habits with Short-Term Challenges

36:02 Wrapping Up and Encouraging New Habits

Resources & Guest Info:

We'd love to connect! You can find us in all of these places:

• Regina
• • Email: regina@collectivegrowthcc.com
  • Website: https://www.collectivegrowthcc.com
  • Newsletter subscription: Resources — Collective Growth Coaching and Consulting
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginataute
  • Free Coaching Session: https://calendly.com/collective_growth/complimentary-30-min-coaching-session
• Doris
• • Email: doris@dunnwise.com
  • Website: https://www.dunnwise.com
  • Newsletter subscription: Blog | DunnWise Consulting
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doris-dunn
  • Schedule a Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/dunnwise-consulting/30min_discovery_call