Badass Habits

Badass Habits: Cultivate the Awareness, Boundaries, and Daily Upgrades You Need to Make Them Stick (2020) by Jen Sincero is a practical guide to building and sustaining habits that empower readers to overcome negative influences and thrive. Sincero, known for her candid and humorous style, delivers actionable strategies to create lasting change by focusing on discipline, self-awareness, and boundary-setting. The book targets those seeking to replace unhelpful patterns with habits that align with their goals, particularly when navigating external negativity.

Sincero emphasises that habits are the backbone of success, but forming them requires clarity about what you want and why. She guides readers to identify their “why” behind desired changes, making habits meaningful and easier to maintain. The book breaks down the process into manageable steps: start small, track progress, and stay consistent, even when faced with setbacks or naysayers. Sincero stresses self-awareness, encouraging readers to recognise triggers—like toxic interactions—that derail progress and address them head-on.

A key focus is setting boundaries to protect new habits. Sincero advises saying “no” to people or situations that drain energy, ensuring space for positive routines. She also tackles self-sabotage, urging readers to confront excuses and take responsibility for their choices. Her approach is grounded in practicality, with tools like journaling prompts and daily check-ins to reinforce commitment.

Sincero’s tone is direct and relatable, blending tough love with encouragement. She acknowledges the challenge of change but insists that persistence trumps perfection. By fostering resilience and focus, Badass Habits equips readers to thrive despite external negativity, making it a valuable resource for anyone aiming to build a stronger, more intentional life. The book’s emphasis on small, consistent actions empowers readers to create sustainable change and maintain momentum toward their goals.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Know Your Why to Stay Committed:

   Sincero stresses figuring out why a habit matters to you, like wanting to stay calm despite toxic people. A clear purpose keeps you motivated, even when others’ negativity tries to throw you off track.

2. Start Small and Build Consistency:

   Big changes come from tiny, repeatable actions. Sincero advises picking one small habit—like five minutes of journaling daily—and sticking to it. This builds momentum and shields you from external distractions or criticism.

3. Set Boundaries to Protect Your Progress:

   Say “no” to people or situations that derail your habits, like draining conversations. Sincero emphasises guarding your time and energy to focus on routines that help you succeed.

4. Face Your Excuses Head-On:

   Sincero calls out self-sabotage, like procrastination or blaming others’ behaviour. Take ownership of your choices, recognise triggers, and push through resistance to keep your habits on track.

5. Track and Tweak for Long-Term Success:

   Monitor your habits with simple tools like a checklist or journal. Sincero suggests adjusting when things aren’t working, like switching workout times if mornings feel rushed, to stay resilient against setbacks or negative feedback.