Creator of the Unified Behavior Model™ (UBM): A 20+ year research initiative culminating in the first unified, elemental, goal-directed, and falsifiable framework in behavioral science. UBM provides a practical and theoretically sound system to understand, diagnose, and design behavior change at both the individual and organizational level. Also known as the Grunburg Behavior Model.
Inventor of the P.A.R.R. Methodology (2009): A breakthrough framework for habit development—Plan, Act, Record, Reassess—that mirrors the scientific method. Unlike the rodent-based Cue-Routine-Reward loop, P.A.R.R. leverages uniquely human capacities such as intention, planning, and reflection. It powers both the Unified Behavior Model™ and the Behavior Echo-System™.
“Father” of the Modern Habit-Tracking Movement: In 2009, Grunburg introduced the world’s first Habits-to-Goals® tracking app, redefining goal achievement by aligning small, intentional habits with long-term aspirations.
Author & Inventor of The Habit Factor® (2009–present): The bestselling book and pioneering app that transformed the fields of habit and goal achievement. Globally recognized for its human-centered approach, anchored in the P.A.R.R. methodology.
Instructor, Master-Level Executive Coaching: Delivers original curriculum on behavior change, habit formation, and goal mastery to global executives, coaches, and high-performing professionals.
Creator of the Behavior Echo-System™ (BES): A core element of the Unified Behavior Model™, BES illustrates how environment (external and embodied), emotions, thoughts/stories, and behaviors/habits/skills dynamically reverberate—an “echo-system” that continuously shapes both moment-to-moment experience and long-term outcomes.
Founder, The Behavioral Literacy Project: A pioneering initiative bringing core behavioral fundamentals—habit-building, emotional regulation, self-awareness—into K–12 education. The mission: empower students with life-changing tools for long-term well-being and success.
Habit Mastery & Goal Achievement
Keynotes, guest lectures, private workshops, and group trainings that decode the science of personal transformation and goal achievement—turning habits into tools for extraordinary personal and professional success.
Executive & Group Coaching
High-impact coaching focused on leadership, behavior design, and personal transformation—trusted by executives, entrepreneurs, and elite performers.
Workshops & Retreats
Immersive programs centered on habit formation, skill development, and goal mastery—ideal for teams and individuals seeking lasting, results-driven change.
Performance & Productivity Optimization
Specializing in pressure management, mindset, and behavioral alignment—including support for individuals navigating ADD/ADHD and creative overwhelm.
Behavioral Systems & Strategic Integration
Guiding organizations and individuals in implementing the Unified Behavior Model™ and Behavior Echo-System™ to align culture, systems, and goals through simple, powerful behavior change tools.
MARTIN GRUNBURG is the creator of the Unified Behavior Model™ (UBM)—the first unified, elemental, goal-directed, and falsifiable framework in behavioral science. More than two decades in the making, UBM integrates habit formation, emotional awareness, environment, and narrative into a practical system for behavior change—both diagnostic and prescriptive in nature.
At the heart of Grunburg’s philosophy is a powerful premise: goals are not optional. Life will bring inevitable challenges—divorce, illness, business failure, or loss—and countless events outside our control. Yet humans are creators by nature, wired to pursue their goals and ideals. With the right structure—a map, model, and compass—they can regain a sense of control by intentionally shaping and aligning their unique Behavior Echo-System™: environment, narratives, habits, emotions, and skills—all in service of meaningful progress.
Drawing from Norbert Wiener’s cybernetic theory, both P.A.R.R. and the Behavior Echo-System™ function as feedback systems, reinforcing the idea that behavior is how we steer. In this light, Grunburg champions the spirit of the Steersman: someone who, no matter the storm, takes the helm and moves forward with intention—as best they can, one day at a time.
Grunburg is the author of The Habit Factor® (2010), a groundbreaking book and app that challenged traditional goal-setting models like SMART goals and to-do lists. Instead, it introduced the radical idea of habit alignment as the driving force behind lasting achievement. The book and app helped ignite the modern habit-tracking movement.
His subsequent works—The Pressure Paradox™ and EVERYTHING is a F*cking STORY*—further explore the inner and outer forces that shape behavior. In 2011, Grunburg presented his frameworks at TEDx in the United Arab Emirates (Al Ain), and his ideas have since reached global audiences, with features in The New York Times, CNET, Lifehacker, Mashable, and U.S. News & World Report.
Martin served on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County (2006–2016) and mentored as a volunteer “Big Brother” for over 15 years. He also taught “Success Skills” to underserved high school students through Junior Achievement, helping teens explore purpose, confidence, and direction through personal development fundamentals.
A lifelong waterman, Martin enjoys surfing, sailing, and more recently, kite-surfing. His journey into peak physical challenges began at 35 when he set his sights on the legendary 32-mile Catalina Classic paddleboard race—an open-ocean endurance event he has now completed multiple times. Since then, he has taken on a range of demanding feats, including scaling Mt. Kilimanjaro, completing the Rim2Rim2Rim trek across the Grand Canyon (twice in extreme summer heat), and finishing the grueling Ironman France in Nice—one of the sport’s most difficult courses.
For more information visit: thehabitfactor.com
Podcast: habits2goals.substack.com
