Ep 94 - Take Command of Your Habits in 2026

What this episode covers

Habits aren’t just about willpower. In this episode of Management Muse, Cindi and Geoff uncover a radical insight from behavioral science: most habits are powered by underlying anxiety. Willpower alone isn’t enough, because habits aren’t just actions, they’re emotional coping strategies. From sleep routines to workplace distractions, Cindi and Geoff break down the surprising psychology of habits and offer practical ways to make real change stick. You’ll learn why starting small creates large payoffs, how to time your habit launches for success, and what it means to replace—not just remove—habitual behaviors. Whether you're trying to lead better, live healthier, or stop doomscrolling before bed, this episode gives you a fresh framework for transforming habits with more clarity and control. Episode Highlights: The anxiety-habit connection Why willpower alone sets you up to fail The Fresh Start Effect How starting smaller can lead to bigger wins The trick to breaking bad habits A gut-check for your organization Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3xjk1xc55Ds *Purchase your copy of The Uncertainty Playbook here *Sign up for our newsletter and our FREE guide to the 6 science-backed habits you NEED to level up your management skills in 2026! Want to Go Deeper? Check Out Our Recommended Reading: Brewer, Judson. Unwinding Anxiety, Avery, 2022. https://a.co/d/7pjMANH Dai, H., Milkman, K.L, and Riis, J. “The Fresh Start Effect: Temporal Landmarks Motivate Aspirational Behavior,” Management Science, 2014, 60(10), 2563-2582. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2204126& Join Our Community & Follow Us: - Youtube Channel - LinkedIn - Instagram -Facebook -TikTok - Website

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Management Muse?

This episode is 30 minutes long.

When was this Management Muse episode published?

This episode was published on February 3, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Habits aren’t just about willpower. In this episode of Management Muse, Cindi and Geoff uncover a radical insight from behavioral science: most habits are powered by underlying anxiety. Willpower alone isn’t enough, because habits aren’t just...

Can I download this Management Muse episode?

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