Episode # 37: Dave Hollis: How to Use Habits FOR instead of AGAINST You

✍️ EPISODE OVERVIEW

In this transformative episode, Will Moore sits down with Dave Hollis, former Disney film distribution chief and CEO of the Hollis Company, to explore the power of habits in shaping our lives. The conversation dives deep into how to harness habits as tools for growth rather than obstacles, particularly during challenging times. Dave shares his personal journey through divorce and career transitions, emphasizing how maintaining strong habits has been crucial to his resilience and continued growth.

The discussion explores the science of habit formation, the importance of morning routines, and how to build systems that work regardless of life's circumstances. Dave's insights are particularly relevant in today's world, where the illusion of control has been shattered, forcing us to focus on what we can actually influence - our daily habits and responses to challenges.

Throughout the episode, both hosts emphasize the importance of developing habits that serve your future self while acknowledging that different seasons of life may require different approaches. They discuss practical strategies for building momentum, maintaining accountability, and creating sustainable change through systematic approaches rather than relying solely on motivation or willpower.

📖 CHAPTER SUMMARIES

1. The Illusion of Control and Adapting to Change (0:00-15:30) Dave discusses how 2020 shattered our illusion of control, forcing us to focus on what we can actually influence - our daily actions and responses. He emphasizes the importance of viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and explains how this mindset shift can transform our approach to habit formation. The conversation explores how to maintain momentum even when external circumstances are unpredictable, highlighting the importance of flexible yet consistent routines.

2. Building The Success Loop Through Daily Actions (15:30-30:45) Will and Dave Hollis delve into the concept of the "success loop" - how small wins build confidence, leading to more positive actions and creating upward momentum. They discuss how this contrasts with the "failure loop" where negative self-talk and inaction reinforce each other. The conversation includes practical examples of how to break out of negative cycles and establish positive momentum through intentional habit formation.

3. Morning Routines and Keystone Habits (30:45-45:15) Dave Hollis shares his detailed morning routine, explaining how each element - from gratitude practice to physical exercise - serves a specific purpose in setting up his day for success. The discussion explores the concept of keystone habits - those habits that naturally lead to positive changes in other areas of life. They emphasize how morning routines can be personalized to individual needs while maintaining core elements that drive success.

4. Seasonal Habits and Adaptability (45:15-60:00) The conversation shifts to how habits need to evolve with different life seasons. Dave discusses how his habits have adapted during his divorce and career transition, emphasizing the importance of regularly reassessing and adjusting habits based on current needs and circumstances. They explore how to maintain core habits while being flexible enough to adapt to life's changes.

5. Vision and Future-Focused Thinking (60:00-End) The episode concludes with a powerful discussion about the importance of maintaining a positive vision for the future, even during challenging times. Dave shares his practice of negative visualization as a motivational tool and discusses how to use both positive and negative future scenarios to drive current actions. They explore practical ways to stay connected to your long-term vision while taking daily actions aligned with that future.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Control What You Can Control In a world of uncertainty, focus your energy on what you can actually influence - your daily actions and responses. Instead of getting overwhelmed by external circumstances, channel your energy into developing habits that build resilience and capability. This shift in focus from external to internal control creates a foundation for sustainable growth and progress, regardless of what's happening around you.

2. Create Systems Over Goals Rather than relying solely on motivation or willpower, develop robust systems that make taking positive action easier than not taking action. This includes creating morning routines, establishing accountability mechanisms, and setting up your environment to support your desired habits. A well-designed system reduces the friction in maintaining positive habits and makes success more inevitable.

3. Embrace Seasonal Habits Understand that different life seasons require different approaches to habits. What works during stable times might need adjustment during periods of transition or challenge. Regular assessment of your habits' effectiveness and willingness to adapt them based on current circumstances ensures continued growth and momentum, even through life's changes.

4. Leverage Keystone Habits Identify and prioritize habits that create positive ripple effects in multiple areas of your life. For example, regular exercise might improve not just physical health but also mental clarity, emotional stability, and productivity. Focus on establishing these foundational habits first, as they naturally lead to improvements in other areas.

5. Build Momentum Through Small Wins Start with small, manageable actions that you can consistently accomplish. Each small win builds confidence and creates momentum for larger challenges. This approach prevents overwhelm and creates sustainable progress over time, leading to lasting change rather than short-term fixes.

6. Practice Both Positive and Negative Visualization Use both inspiring future visions and cautionary scenarios to motivate current actions. Visualize both the positive outcomes you want to achieve and the negative consequences you want to avoid. This dual approach provides powerful motivation for maintaining positive habits and making difficult changes.

7. Maintain Morning Discipline Establish a consistent morning routine that sets up your day for success. This might include gratitude practice, physical exercise, meditation, or strategic planning. The key is making this routine non-negotiable and completing it regardless of how you feel, as it creates a foundation for the rest of your day. Read More: How to Clear Your Mind

8. Focus on Identity-Based Habits Develop habits that align with who you want to become rather than just what you want to achieve. This approach creates deeper, more sustainable change as your actions reinforce your desired identity, making it easier to maintain positive habits over time.

9. Practice Intentional Gratitude Make gratitude a daily practice, as it shapes how you perceive and interact with the world. Regular gratitude practice helps maintain perspective during challenges and creates a positive mindset that supports other healthy habits.

10. Build Support Systems Create accountability mechanisms and surround yourself with people who support your growth. This might include joining communities, finding accountability partners, or working with mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement on your journey. Read More: Keeping Score in Relationship

🥇GOLDEN HABIT

Definition of Golden Habit: "A 'Golden Habit' is the optimal habit to relieve a pain point/replace a bad habit because it's personalized to your DNA, goals, and lifestyle in order to maximally reduce the friction to form it.

The Golden Habit should be: - DESIRABLE: Should be enjoyable and rewarding. - PRACTICAL: Must easily integrate into one's existing routines. - IMPACTFUL: Expected to significantly enhance well-being."

This Episode's Golden Habit: Dave's Comprehensive Morning Routine (discussed at 44:13): Wake up at the same time daily, immediately put on workout gear, practice gratitude with coffee, have spiritual time, go for a run, do gym work, meditate, and journal. This serves as his golden habit because it aligns with his personality (disciplined approach), fits his lifestyle (early morning person), and significantly impacts his overall wellbeing.

Related Core Area: Primary: Mindset Core - This routine serves as a foundation for maintaining a growth owner mindset by proactively addressing mental, physical, and emotional needs before the day begins.

🚀 READY PLAYER ONE?

Are you ready to transform your life and achieve big through disciplined habits? It's time to take the valuable insights from today’s episode and put put them into action. Discipline isn't just about adhering to a schedule—it's about building a foundation that will catapult you toward success in all areas of your life.

OUR MISSION: Accelerate your growth in the 5 Key areas of life by making your habit transformation journey so simple, fun, and rewarding that your happiness becomes inevitable.

PRESS START NOW: Click HERE to dive deeper into the Moore Momentum System. Begin by taking our short quiz to quickly identify which of the pillars of life you're struggling in most and discover the success habit to improve it. Don’t just dream about success—make it a reality.

Whether you're dealing with procrastination, lack of focus, or simply seeking a positive way to enhance your productivity, our system is designed to give you the tools you need to succeed. Start your journey today and see how small changes can lead to major transformations.

Are you ready to level up? The time is now—let’s build momentum together!

🫅 BIO - Dave Hollis:

Dave Hollis is an author, speaker, and former president of theatrical distribution for Walt Disney Studios. After a successful 17-year career at Disney, where he oversaw the theatrical distribution teams behind blockbusters including Frozen and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Dave ventured into the world of personal development. As the former CEO of The Hollis Company and host of the Rise Together podcast, he has helped countless individuals transform their lives through strategic goal-setting and personal growth initiatives. His book, "Get Out of Your Own Way," became a Wall Street Journal bestseller, reflecting his commitment to helping others overcome self-defeating behaviors and achieve their full potential. Dave's authentic approach to personal development, combined with his business acumen and entertainment industry experience, has made him a unique voice in the self-improvement space.