Why Most CEOs Fail to Perform - And How One Tiny Habit Can Change Everything
Many CEOs are visionaries, strategists, and leaders. But despite their talent, most struggle to maintain peak performance. The culprit? Burnout, overwhelm, and a lack of sustainable systems. In this blog post, we explore why high-achieving CEOs often hit a wall—and how one small habit can make all the difference.
Running a business requires more than just big ideas. Without strong habits, even the most capable leaders find themselves exhausted, reactive, and constantly putting out fires. This is especially true for founders who scale quickly but neglect the foundational behaviours that drive long-term success.
Claire Jackson, Chief Habits Officer at The Habit Lab, has spent nearly two decades helping leaders rewire their behaviour for high performance. Her approach? Tiny, intentional actions that create massive change.
The Science Behind Tiny Habits
Claire draws on the groundbreaking research of Stanford professor BJ Fogg, whose "Tiny Habits" method proves that small, consistent actions are more effective than dramatic overhauls. Instead of relying on motivation, the method focuses on embedding new habits into existing routines—making change effortless and long-lasting.
Claire’s own experience with burnout led her to this work. After struggling with chronic health issues, she realised that pushing harder wasn’t the answer. Instead, she rebuilt her life and business by implementing micro-habits that prioritised energy, well-being, and resilience.
How CEOs Can Implement Tiny Habits for Maximum Performance
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Start Small: Rather than overhauling your routine, introduce a micro-habit like a deep breath before a meeting or a two-minute reflection at the end of the day.
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Anchor to Existing Behaviours: Attach new habits to things you already do. For example, if you check emails first thing, pair it with a quick stretch to set a mindful tone for the day.
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Celebrate Success: Acknowledge every small win. Reinforcing progress rewires your brain to seek out positive behaviour change.
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Prioritise Energy Management: Instead of focusing solely on productivity, invest in habits that sustain your mental and physical energy.
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Be Consistent, Not Perfect: Success isn’t about flawless execution—it’s about consistency. Start small and let the momentum build naturally.
Final Thoughts The secret to sustainable success isn’t working harder—it’s working smarter through small, strategic shifts in behaviour. By mastering tiny habits, CEOs can build resilience, avoid burnout, and create a foundation for long-term performance.
Ready to transform the way you lead? Implement one tiny habit today and watch how it compounds over time.
Want to dive deeper into this topic?
Listen to the full conversation on The CEO’s Wing Woman® Podcast.
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