The Dynamics of Willpower and Habit Formation

Mireille and Adam explore the habit loop, the role of environment as a cue, behavior change, the role of dopamine, willpower as a finite resource, and the impact of social influences on habits.

As with any change, we need to collect data. Instead of trying to change a habit right away, treat yourself like a scientist in a data gathering stage and experiment with different rewards to better understand your habit loops. Making and breaking a habit is different for everyone.

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Featuring:

• Mireille Reece, PsyD – LinkedIn
• Adam Stacoviak – Website, GitHub, LinkedIn, Mastodon, X

Show Notes:

Key takeaways:

• Take stock of your resources
• Look at the context of your own life
• How does this benefit myself and my team/my board?
• Accountability — who’s on your team?

Links:

• The habit loop
• The meaning of Gracious
• MIT study on why habits are hard to make and break

Book recommendations:

• The Power of Habit
• Atomic Habits
• Essentialism - The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown (Adam’s favorite chapter is “Protect the asset”)

Something missing or broken? PRs welcome!