3 Atomic Habits: Stack Belief with Action

By the end of this newsletter, you will discover my secret formula that I used to Rewire My Daily Routine to Quit Alcohol, Sugar, and Vending Machines—One Choice at a Time

In 2024, I made a small decision that turned into a life-changing habit:

I stopped going to the vending machine.

Sounds simple, right?

But for busy professionals constantly pulled in different directions, it's no easy feat. I’ve been there—rushing through back-to-back meetings, skipping meals, and ending up in front of the vending machine looking for a quick fix.

But here’s what I noticed:

That one decision that seemed small but hard-to-break behavior had an invisible ripple effect—on my health, wallet, and mindset.

Why did I stop?

Because the vending machine was silently costing me:

• Unnecessary daily expenses
• Increased sugar intake
• Junk food cravings
• A neglected diet
• Unwanted weight gain
• And long-term health risks I wasn’t willing to ignore

My Simple Rule: Trade-Off Comparison

Every time I passed the vending machine on my way to grab a sugar-free coffee, I practiced deliberate avoidance—as if the machine didn’t even exist.

I made a promise to my wife:

• No more vending machine energy drinks
• Redirect that money toward personal development

Whenever temptation hit, I paused and asked myself:

“Should I buy an energy drink—or invest in myself?”

That mindset shift made the decision simple.

Over time, personal growth always won.

Why This Worked (And Kept Working)

I credit two books for shaping my success:

1. The Power of Consistency by Weldon Long
2. Atomic Habits by James Clear

Read them in that order—and you’ll start to understand how belief, repetition, and identity shape consistent action.

I used the same approach to quit:

• Adding sugar to my coffee
• Drinking alcohol—for good
• And now, I’m working on cutting even more habits that don’t amplify who I’m becoming.

My Alcohol Breakthrough Formula

I followed a personal mindset formula:

Atomic Habits + The Power of Consistency = Behavioral Breakthrough

1. I tricked my brain. I’d tell myself: If others enjoy nasty-bitter-alcoholic drinks, I can enjoy water or black coffee too.
2. I declared a goal (in present tense): → I no longer drink alcohol.
3. I created a morning habit: → Read my intention aloud → Drink 2 glasses of water → Add milk to my coffee (ritual) → Journal: [Date], No Alcohol — Day [X]

I tracked every day.

And by Day 25—the habit stuck.

Reflection for You:

Have you ever been so consumed by work that you skipped lunch, only to hit the vending machine at 3 p.m.?

It doesn’t have to be that way.

• 2025 is not over yet, choose one small habit now.
• Make it intentional.
• Turn it into momentum.

You don’t need a massive overhaul—just one shift in the right direction.

Because when you stack belief with action, growth becomes inevitable.

Your potential isn’t just about who you are. It’s about what you choose to become.

What habit are you ready to trade in for a better version of yourself?

Drop it in the comments and if the message in this newsletter resonates with you, DM me the word "SHIFT" and I’ll send you a free self-leadership habit tracker to get started.

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Felix Okoth, PMP®

Executive Leadership Coach | Keynote Speaker | Author

Helping purpose-driven professionals go From Invisible to Influential