Why your habits are so important

Habits - “The choices that all of us deliberately make at some point, and then stop thinking about but continue doing, often everyday”
 
Habits are created because the human brain consistently searches for ways in which it can reduce energy expenditure. By converting repetitive behaviours into ‘habits’, this allows us to stop concentrating on simple, repetitive behaviours, and allows us to dedicate our energy to more important tasks.

Once a simple routine is repeated enough, and a habit is created, it becomes an almost unconscious process with the brain no longer fully partaking in the decision making.

 So, unless you consciously decide to break this habit and implement a new routine, the behaviour will almost automatically take place.

This demonstrates why it’s so difficult to initiate new exercise habits. If you’ve developed a routine of watching Netflix in bed every evening, that pattern will have been reinforced and created a powerful, almost unconscious habit over time. The habit can’t just disappear, it must be replaced.

The good news is that if we do consciously decide to create a new routine, providing we put in the effort, over time it can override those bad habits and they will fade into the past.

The really good news? This initial positive ‘keystone’ habit you implement, frequently creates a chain effect which can lead to any number of positive habits. For instance, research shows that people who start habitually exercising often start eating more healthily, become more productive at work as well as reporting higher levels of happiness and confidence.

To be clear, I'm not saying you can't watch Netflix, I love a Netflix documentary as much as the next person. Just become aware of those negative habits that you've unconsciously slipped into, and make a change.

If you’re interested in behaviour change and habits then ‘The Power of Habit’ by Charles Duhigg is super interesting, and the source of most of this blog post.

Would love to hear from you if you’ve experienced any initial keystone habits that have led to other positive habits/behaviour changes.

TheBeardedPT