In brief
Maintaining streaks in daily habits is a psychological boost that brings structure and pride to our lives, encouraging positive behaviors.
Everywhere I go, it seems like apps are nudging me to establish a streak for my daily activities. My Kindle applauds my reading when I manage to turn the page on consecutive days. The New York Times Games app rewards me with virtual accolades for my consistent crossword puzzle completion. Even Poshmark tempts me with promises of rewards if I keep listing my pre-loved clothing regularly. Despite attempting to resist such trivial incentives, I find myself drawn to them. Like many, the allure of achievement is powerful; I yearn for the accolades that come with a job well done.A recent article by Nell McShane Wulfhart in The Times highlighted her incredible commitment: running at least a mile every day for seven long years - even during bouts of illness. This achievement invokes both admiration and self-doubt. I can’t help but ponder my own routine; I may not be running miles, but I’ve certainly established a streak of my own: daily flossing. While I may not have a perfect record over the last seven years, my commitment since my last dentist visit months ago gives me an unexpected sense of accomplishment. While it seems trivial, the pride gained from maintaining this flossing streak is profoundly satisfying. At the end of a chaotic day, being able to exclaim “At least I kept my flossing streak alive!” brings me an unusual joy.Economists note that once a person establishes a streak, the motivation to maintain it becomes greater than the initial motivation for starting. The difficulty of potentially breaking a streak can often serve as a greater deterrent than the incentive of gaining more days. I think about the daily satisfaction of ticking off another day on my calendar. More than just dental hygiene, it's the fear of slipping back into mediocrity that keeps me flossing night after night.As children, we first experience the thrill of keeping streaks when our good behaviors are celebrated with gold stars on a chart. The question often arises - do we ever truly outgrow this need? Analyzing our routines and contemplating where new streaks could be initiated is a common urge. It encourages us to find activities that resonate with personal pride and accomplishment.Streaks can arguably be viewed as rituals disguised in the language of self-improvement. A meditation streak might look different from a simple meditation practice, but they both serve similar roles in adding structure and meaning to our lives. Whether we label them as streaks, practices, or rituals, they effectively motivate us to stay engaged and present in our daily routines, contributing to a fulfilling and productive life.
