Audit Environment

Time: 30-60 min (one-time) | Difficulty: Beginner | ROI: High | Status: Active

Environment Audit

Systematic evaluation and modification of physical and digital environments to reduce friction for desired behaviors.

Inputs

• List of target behaviors (what to increase)
• List of anti-behaviors (what to decrease)
• Access to all environments (workspace, home, phone)

Process

Step 1: Inventory (15 min)

For each environment, document:

Environment	What’s Visible	What’s Within Reach	Default State
Workspace
Kitchen
Bedroom
Phone home screen

Step 2: Friction Analysis (10 min)

For each target behavior, count steps to initiate:

Target Behavior	Current Steps	Friction Level

For each anti-behavior, count steps to initiate:

Anti-Behavior	Current Steps	Friction Level

Step 3: Redesign (15 min)

Apply friction engineering:

Target Behaviors (reduce friction):

• Move tools to arm’s reach
• Make cues visible
• Pre-stage materials

Anti-Behaviors (increase friction):

• Remove from environment entirely (best)
• Add steps between cue and behavior
• Hide from view

Step 4: Implementation

Change	Environment	Expected Effect

Reference Modifications

Goal	Add Friction	Remove Friction
Healthier eating	Remove junk food from house	Fruit bowl on counter
More exercise	—	Gym clothes laid out
Less phone at night	Phone charges in another room	Book on nightstand
More reading	—	Book visible, open
Less social media	Log out after each use, delete apps	—

Cue Stacking

Attach new behaviors to existing environmental cues:

Existing Cue	New Behavior	Placement
Coffee maker	Vitamins	Next to coffee maker
Toothbrush	Floss	Next to toothbrush
Pillow	Journal	On pillow

Success Metrics

• Target behavior frequency: Increasing
• Anti-behavior frequency: Decreasing
• Willpower expenditure: Decreasing (behaviors feel automatic)

Re-Audit Schedule

• Initial audit: Complete
• 30-day check: Verify changes persisted
• Quarterly: Full re-audit for new behaviors

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See Environment Design for theoretical framework.