Work on a project that requires consistent effort.
Phone habits break down over time. Email habits last longer but are not as rich as an actual conversation.
Working on a project, however, changes everything. These projects can be varied – a coach-pupil type project designed to improve a skill or embed a habit, or a team project that involves you building something cool. That commitment to something beyond “staying in touch” ensures that the minimum of staying in touch is achieved.
Besides, it’s fun.
Tip: If you’re working on creating a project-like engagement, start with a definite time state and keep renewing it (e.g. 6 months). Committing to a project till the end of time isn’t an arrangement that’s going to work, either.
A Learning a Day 