The fitness philosophy for lasting habits, inspired by Atomic Habits. Marcisco outlines the 4 laws of behavior change and he highlights how OCD can help build a successful empire.
At Four Fitness, we’re more than just a gym; we’re a community that has proudly served over 1,500 members in Jersey City for more than 11 years. Our founder, Marcisco Morrison, a passionate collegiate athlete and former professional basketball player, exemplifies the belief that trainers should lead by example. That’s why our motto is #TrainWithTrainersWhoTrain.
But what does it really take to build lasting habits? Inspired by James Clear’s *Atomic Habits*, we’ve discovered that the secret lies in understanding how habits work—and how we can tweak them to fit our unique lifestyles, especially when you throw in a sprinkle of obsessive tendencies, like mine.
### The Importance of Habits
**Focus on Systems, Not Just Goals**
Goals are great for direction but often lack the structure needed for sustainable success. At Four Fitness, we focus on creating effective systems—daily routines built from small, manageable habits. Instead of expecting life-altering changes overnight, we’re all about those tiny steps that accumulate into something monumental.
**Strive for 1% Improvement Daily**
Think about this: what if you aimed to improve just 1% every single day? Those seemingly insignificant adjustments can lead to remarkable transformations over time. Remember, it’s not about massive leaps; it’s about celebrating the little wins along the way.
**Identity Matters**
Your habits should reflect the version of yourself you want to become. When your actions align with your aspirations, commitment becomes second nature. Imagine viewing yourself as the athlete you want to be; let that vision guide your daily choices and habits.
### The Four Laws of Behavior Change
Let’s dive into the Four Laws of Behavior Change from *Atomic Habits* and see how they align with our philosophy at Four Fitness:
1. **Make it Obvious**
Visibility is key! Want to read more? Leave a book on your pillow as a nightly reminder. Or, set your workout clothes out the night before to cue your morning routine.
2. **Make it Attractive**
Pair your habits with enjoyable experiences. Listen to your favorite podcast or an audiobook while working out. It transforms a mundane task into something you look forward to.
3. **Make it Easy**
Start small to avoid overwhelming yourself. Use the Two-Minute Rule: if something takes less than two minutes, do it right away. This applies to everything from a quick workout to tracking your meals.
4. **Make it Satisfying**
Immediate rewards can be powerful. Keep a progress tracker or a habit journal to visually represent your achievements. This creates a sense of pride and motivates you to keep going.
### My Personal Journey
Living with obsessive tendencies has had its challenges, but I’ve learned to harness them for good. At Four Fitness, the structured environment allows me to thrive. I often listen to audiobooks while I run, which keeps me engaged and helps me meet my goals of reading a book or 2 each month.
Starting small has been my game changer. Instead of long, grueling gym sessions, I focus on a simple routine: a 25-minute treadmill warm-up followed by two exercises. Committing to this three times a week has built a solid foundation that feels completely natural now.
### Embrace Your Unique Path