[REPLAY - From the archive] Dr. BJ Fogg: Why Tiny Habits Can Change Your Life Forever

As we wrap up the year on ScaleX™ Insider, we’re revisiting one of the most impactful conversations we’ve ever had—because the lessons matter just as much now as they did when it first aired.

From tiny habits to massive life transformations, this episode with Dr. BJ Fogg cuts through the noise of motivation hacks and productivity hype. No gimmicks. No hype. Just science-backed behaviour design that actually sticks.

In this episode, Dr. BJ Fogg—world-renowned behaviour scientist and bestselling author of Tiny Habits—reveals why small, intentional actions, paired with the right emotional triggers, are far more powerful than willpower or repetition.

The Three Core Principles:

1. Emotion Trumps Repetition: Habits stick when you feel successful doing them, not just because you repeat them. Your emotional experience wires the habit faster than any number of days.

2. Start Tiny, Think Big: Small, easy-to-do behaviours create momentum. Over time, they shift your identity, influence decisions, and ripple out to impact every area of life.

3. Focus on Ability, Not Motivation: Make desired behaviours simple and accessible. Motivation is unreliable; controlling ability is where change truly happens.
   
   

The Maui Habit—A Morning Game-Changer:

Dr. Fogg shares his famous “Maui Habit”—starting every day by saying, “It’s going to be a great day.” This simple ritual primes your mind, builds upward momentum, and improves how you handle challenges throughout the day.

Why Helping Others Matters:

Whether it’s colleagues, clients, or loved ones, helping people feel successful strengthens relationships, reduces anxiety, and encourages engagement. Small actions that boost others create exponential positive impact.

Practical Tips for CEOs and Entrepreneurs:

• Narrow your focus: Start with one clear goal or habit—expand later.

• Leverage tiny wins: Even small achievements reinforce identity and boost confidence.

• Build habits around emotion: Positive emotional triggers accelerate adoption.

• Make good habits easy, bad habits harder: Control what you can—the ability, not motivation.
  
  

Key Insights:

• Habits are not formed by repetition alone—they form when behaviours trigger positive emotions.

• Identity shifts faster when small successes are recognised and celebrated.

• Tiny actions can create massive ripple effects, influencing others around you.

• Motivation is overrated; ability and simplicity are the keys to behaviour change.
  
  

About Dr. BJ Fogg:

Founder and Director of the Behaviour Design Lab at Stanford University, Dr. BJ Fogg is a pioneer in behaviour design. His research, cited over 20,000 times, has shaped fields from persuasive technology to mobile health. As an Adjunct Professor in Health and Human Performance, he trains leaders and students to apply behaviour science for positive change. His book Tiny Habits has inspired millions worldwide, and his former students include co-founders of Instagram.

Connect with Dr. BJ Fogg:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bjfogg

Website: https://www.bjfogg.com

About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling

ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling — creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme.
A 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through growth plateaus.

Host: Brendan McGurgan
Website: simplescaling.com

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