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The Streak Phenomenon: Can Small Wins Change Your Life?

Discover why tracking habits might be the secret to building self-respect and motivation!

By Melissa KirschSource: nytimes.com1 min read

In brief

From flossing to daily runs, building streaks creates pride and motivation. Find out how these tiny habits can lead to big changes in mindset!

Every day, we’re bombarded by apps urging us to start a “streak.” Whether it’s reading on Kindle or solving crosswords with The New York Times Games app, the allure of badges and rewards draws us in. Recently, journalist Nell McShane Wulfhart shared her impressive mile-a-day running streak that’s lasted over seven years! Her commitment left many feeling inspired yet also inadequate.However, even small achievements matter. I’ve begun my own streak with flossing—not every day for seven years, but since my last dental visit. The pride I feel is surprisingly significant! Experts say that once you commit to a streak, the fear of breaking it becomes a powerful motivator.As kids, we loved gamifying habits with star stickers. So, does that excitement fade with age? Not quite! Reflecting on daily rituals could lead to new streaks in life, ones that instill pride and structure. Whether we label them as streaks or practices doesn’t change their purpose; both nourish our days and boost our sense of self!

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