Why Is It So Hard to Stick to Good Habits?
- Brainz Magazine
- Jun 11
- 4 min read
Written by Ali Braid, Trainer and Facilitator
Ali Braid is a highly recommended trainer and facilitator of learning conversations. With over 21 years working in the recruitment industry, Ali has trained 1000's of recruiters to help them work smarter, and enjoy their careers in this highly pressurised industry.
I have worked with 1000's of recruiters over the last 16.5 years as a trainer. And I don't know anyone who has ever come into training (or maybe they just hid it very well!) and said I don't want to get better. Everyone I have ever worked with wants to get better and therefore, make more money.
What stops people from making more money is that they don't stick to their new, better habits from training and learning. And in Atomic Habits, James Clear's 4th Law, Make It Satisfying, Add a sense of reward so the habit sticks, is what we can tap into to really ensure we are working on our desks in the best possible way.
But why is it so hard to stick to new, better habits? James Clear explains that as Homo Sapiens we are still wired for an "immediate return environment." What is that? Well, imagine being on the planes of Africa, and all you need to worry about to survive is whether there is water? Is there food? Is there shelter? You are focused on the immediate present because that is the most important period of time for your survival. So that makes sense.
However, here we are now in our comfy houses with Tesco Metro down the road, but and this is the key, nothing has really changed since then in our brains. But our environment has changed, and the choices we make now do not offer an immediate return. If we do a good job at work, we might get promoted later this year, and if we work hard at saving, we will have a comfortable retirement. This is called a "delayed return environment." A lot of our choices now only come back with rewards in the future. But our brains still crave that immediate return.
And ultimately, it is this wiring in our brains that makes sticking to new, good habits so hard. And it makes perfect sense now, doesn't it?! Our brains still function as if we are living day to day, and so instant gratification rewards us for behaviour that keeps us alive. But as a modern person and recruiter, this presents us with challenges!
We need to focus on activity that hardly ever rewards us instantly, making 10 client calls will not get us 10 new roles to work, and writing an advert will not instantly deliver the ideal candidate to your inbox.
"With good habits, the immediate outcome is unenjoyable, but the ultimate outcome is good."
And I think once we understand this concept, we can make our everyday life more satisfying for ourselves, therefore creating good habits and ensuring we get that immediate reward. This ensures we have an eye on the future, whilst still rewarding those brains that want instant hits of satisfaction.
Here are some ideas for you
1. Build in small, satisfying wins
Recruitment is a long game; placements take time. The secret to staying motivated is incorporating quick, satisfying wins along the way.
Track your progress: Use a CRM dashboard, whiteboard, or a simple checklist to see your progress visually. Momentum builds motivation.
Gamify your workflow: Set personal challenges like “10 outreach calls before 10 AM” or “Schedule 3 client meetings before lunch.” Make it fun and engaging.
Celebrate every step: Recognise small wins, whether securing a candidate interview or receiving a positive client response. Reward yourself with a coffee break or a quick team shoutout. Whatever works for you, but acknowledge and enjoy it!
2. Implement instant rewards
Now we know that human brains are wired for instant gratification, so we can't rely solely on commission payouts to keep motivation high. Instead, build in short-term rewards to stay engaged.
Stack rewards with habits: Pair essential tasks with enjoyable activities. For example, “After sending 5 follow-up emails, I’ll grab a coffee.
Personal milestone treats: Treat yourself when hitting milestones, whether it’s a great lunch, a workout session, or an early Friday finish
Team-based incentives: Encourage motivation with small competitions, like a prize for the most CVs sent in a week or a bonus for the first deal of the month.
3. Make productive habits irresistible
The more enjoyable a habit, the easier it is to stick with. Create a work environment that makes productive actions feel rewarding.
Turn tasks into a challenge: If sourcing candidates feels tedious, make it a race with a colleague to see who can find the best match first.
Leverage social accountability: Share goals with a teammate or manager- public commitments reinforce good habits.
Reframe your mindset: Replace “I have to do this” with “I get to do this,” a simple shift that makes a huge difference. I use this one a lot when energy and motivation feel low, and it's a great reminder for me that I have a choice in how I approach my day.
4. End each day with success
Psychology shows that how we finish a task influences our perception of it. Ending your workday on a high note makes it easier to start strong the next day.
Wrap up with a win: Before logging off, complete one satisfying task, confirm a candidate interview, send a follow-up, or clear your inbox.
Reflect on achievements: Take a moment to write down one success from the day. This habit reinforces positive emotions and builds momentum.
Set up tomorrow’s success: Prepare your key tasks and to-do list for the next day so you can dive straight in with confidence.
Recruitment is demanding, but making it satisfying ensures consistency and sustained success. By celebrating small wins, rewarding yourself, and making habits enjoyable, you create a system where success isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable!
Read more from Ali Braid
Ali Braid, Trainer and Facilitator
Ali Braid is a trainer, facilitator, lifelong learner, and speaker. She has spent the last 16.5 years training. coaching and mentoring leaders and recruiters within the recruitment industry in the UK and across the world. Dedicated to her own learning, Ali provides insightful and engaging online, virtual and in-person training that enhances motivation and always increases the bottom line.
