Activation Energy

In chemistry, "activation energy" is the minimum energy required to start a reaction. If the energy requirement is too high, the reaction never happens.

This is why your habits fail. You are relying on willpower (a finite fuel source) to overcome high activation energy (bad design).

If you want to work out in the morning, but your clothes are in the closet, your shoes are by the door, and your water bottle is unwashed, the activation energy is high. Your sleepy brain calculates this friction and chooses the path of least resistance: staying in bed.

Architecting the Slope

Skybloom protocols are designed to tilt the floor. We want to make the desired behavior the path of least resistance.

The Friction Audit:

1. Identify the Target: (e.g., "I want to journal in the morning.")
2. Identify the Friction: (e.g., "I have to find a pen, find the notebook, clear off the desk.")
3. Remove the Friction: The night before, open the notebook to a blank page. Place the pen on top. Clear the desk.

Now, the activation energy is near zero. Sitting down to write is easier than walking away.

Constructive Friction

Conversely, we can use friction to break bad habits. If you eat too much sugar, do not rely on discipline. Increase the friction. Move the sugar to a high shelf in the garage. If you scroll too much, delete the app so you have to re-download it every time.

Do not trust your self-control. Trust physics.