How to Hack Your Habits

/ Goal Setting, Heath & Wellbeing, Podcast, Productivity, Skills / By

As DJs and event entertainment business owners, we often get caught up in the grind—booking gigs, managing teams, and delivering unforgettable experiences for our clients. But what happens when we hit a growth ceiling? How do we transition from being the “Michael Jordan” of our company to becoming the “Phil Jackson”—the leader who builds and scales a team?

Todd Powers, owner of Jock in the Box, recently shared insights on my podcast about making this transition. One key takeaway? Habit stacking—a powerful strategy for personal and business growth. By developing small, intentional habits, we can achieve sustainable success without burnout.

Why Habit Hacking Matters for DJs

Running a successful multi-op DJ company isn’t just about talent behind the decks; it’s about discipline, leadership, and continuous improvement. Habit stacking helps DJs and business owners integrate better habits into their daily routines without feeling overwhelmed. By linking new habits to existing ones, we can make positive changes stick.

Here’s a four-step framework to implement habit stacking effectively:

1. Specify: Start Small and Define Your Habits

Before you can scale your business, you need to improve yourself. The first step is defining clear, measurable habits. Here’s how:

  • Use the Two-Minute Rule: If a habit takes less than two minutes to start, it’s more likely to stick. Example: Instead of saying, “I need to network more,” start with “I will send one follow-up email every morning.”
  • Avoid Vague Goals: Instead of “I want to be more productive,” define a habit like “I will review my event checklist for 5 minutes before every gig.”
  • Make It Identity-Based: Rather than saying, “I need to manage my time better,” start saying, “I am the type of business owner who prioritizes my schedule.”
  • Utilize the Fresh Start Effect: Use milestones (like the start of the month or week) to introduce new habits for better adoption.

Action Items:

✅ Write down 3 small, measurable habits that align with your business goals.
✅ Use the SMART method (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to refine them.

2. Stack: Attach New Habits to Existing Routines

The key to making a new habit stick is linking it to something you already do. Examples:

  • Morning Routine Hack: While your coffee brews, review your upcoming events.
  • Email Habit: After sending a client contract, immediately schedule a follow-up reminder.
  • Pre-Gig Ritual: After setting up at a venue, take five deep breaths to get in the right mindset.

Habit Stacking Formula:

After [current habit], I will [new habit].

Examples:

  • After checking my email in the morning, I will review my sales pipeline.
  • After finishing a client call, I will update my CRM notes.
  • After finishing an event, I will send a thank-you email to the planner.

Action Items:

✅ Identify at least three habits to stack onto existing routines.
✅ Write them down using the formula above.

3. Simplify: Remove Barriers and Make Success Easy

To build a habit, you need to reduce friction—make good habits easy and bad habits hard.

  • Make It Visible: If you want to review finances weekly, keep a financial dashboard tab open on your browser.
  • Automate Decisions: Use scheduling tools (like Calendly) to eliminate back-and-forth emails.
  • Use the 20-Second Rule: Reduce setup time by 20 seconds. Example: Keep your event playlist folder easily accessible.
  • Disrupt Negative Habits: If you waste time scrolling social media, move those apps off your home screen.

Action Items:

✅ Identify one distraction in your workflow and remove it.
✅ Make one important habit easier by setting up a system (e.g., pre-scheduling social media posts).

4. Sustain: Build Accountability for Long-Term Success

The hardest part of habit formation isn’t starting—it’s maintaining consistency. Here’s how to sustain habits long-term:

  • The Goldilocks Rule: Keep habits challenging but not overwhelming.
  • Accountability Partners: Share your goals with a business coach or mastermind group.
  • Use a Visual Tracker: Create a calendar or checklist to track progress (e.g., a whiteboard in your office).
  • Reward Yourself: After reaching a milestone (e.g., booking 10 events), treat yourself to something meaningful.

Action Items:

✅ Pick a habit tracking method (app, notebook, or calendar).
✅ Set up a small reward for completing a habit consistently for 30 days.

Final Thoughts: Small Habits, Big Results

1% daily growth leads to a 37x improvement over a year.

  • The goal isn’t just to run a business; it’s to become a better business owner.
  • Don’t focus on the 26-mile marathon—just take the next step.
  • Success isn’t about big, flashy moves; it’s about small, consistent habits.

Your Next Steps:

🚀 Choose one habit to implement today using the four-step framework.
📌 Bookmark this blog and revisit it in 30 days to assess your progress.
📢 Join our community and share your progress in the comments!

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