Imagine a pilot taking off from Los Angeles, bound for New York City. If the plane’s course is off by just three degrees to the south—a tiny adjustment—it won’t land in New York. Instead, it will end up hundreds of miles away in Washington, D.C. That small shift, unnoticeable at first, leads to a major difference in the final destination.
The same principle applies to building habits. Small, intentional changes in how we engage with our neighbors can dramatically shape the relationships and culture of our neighborhoods. We recently read James Clear’s Atomic Habits, and applied his principles to neighboring. Here are three steps to help you create neighboring habits that can make a real impact in 2025.
1. Make Neighboring Habits Obvious
The first step to building a new habit is to make it obvious. Just like a plane needs clear directions to stay on course, we need cues to guide our actions. Start by identifying moments in your day that can serve as natural prompts for neighboring.
For example, when you see a neighbor outside while walking your dog, make it a habit to smile and wave. When you check your mail or take out the trash, use that opportunity to say hello to someone nearby. These small actions, repeated regularly, can become automatic over time.
You can also set up reminders to help you stay consistent. For instance, set a weekly alarm on your phone to text a neighbor and check in. Or use recurring events like trash day to pray for your neighbors on either side of your house. These simple cues make it easier to incorporate neighboring into your everyday routine.
2. Make Neighboring Habits Attractive
For habits to stick, they need to be enjoyable. Pairing neighboring habits with activities you already love makes the process more fun and sustainable.
Think about your favorite hobbies or interests and find ways to involve your neighbors. If you love hosting game nights, invite a few neighbors over to play. If you’re passionate about cooking, bake some cookies or prepare a meal to share. Maybe you enjoy gardening—offer some seeds or share tips with a neighbor who might be interested. By aligning your neighboring efforts with activities you enjoy, the habit becomes something to look forward to.
Celebrating the joy of community is another way to stay motivated. Building relationships can sometimes feel challenging, but focusing on the benefits—a shared laugh, a meaningful conversation, or a deeper sense of belonging—helps to keep the effort rewarding.
3. Make Neighboring Habits Easy
Big changes often start with small, manageable actions. Instead of overwhelming yourself with ambitious plans, focus on steps you can take quickly and consistently.
James Clear’s "two-minute rule" is a great place to start: any new habit should take less than two minutes to complete.
For instance, commit to waving and saying hello to every neighbor you see outside. Keep a stack of blank cards or small gift cards handy so you’re always prepared to welcome new neighbors. These simple actions are easy to do and can lead to meaningful connections over time.
Remember, consistency is key. Like the plane adjusting its course, small neighboring habits can lead to significant changes in the culture of your neighborhood. Over time, these small steps can create stronger relationships and a greater sense of community.
As we begin 2025, let’s focus on making small adjustments in how we engage with our neighbors. By making habits obvious, attractive, and easy, we can build lasting connections and foster a sense of belonging in our communities. A year from now, your neighborhood could look completely different—and it all starts with small, intentional acts of connection. Let’s see where these new neighboring habits take us.
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