

How to form habits effectively (with Jim Davies)
Aug 10, 2022
Jim Davies, a cognitive science professor and author, dives into the fascinating realm of habit formation. He emphasizes starting small with specific goals, like doing just one push-up, to build momentum. Rewards and enjoyment are key to making habits stick, while flexibility is crucial for long-term success. The conversation also touches on the ethics of animal consciousness, prompting reflections on dietary choices and empathy. Finally, Davies discusses the balance between cost-effective charitable donations and the moral implications of animal welfare.
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Habit Importance and Replacement
- Curate your habits for self-improvement, as they guide your actions when your mind is occupied.
- Replace bad habits with competing good ones triggered by the same cues.
Habit Triggers
- Habits are triggered by five cues: humans, activity, bearings, internal states, and time.
- These cues, easily remembered by the acronym HABIT, subconsciously prompt automatic responses.
Replacing Bad Habits
- Identify your bad habit's trigger and create a new, competing habit with the same trigger.
- Consciously choose the new habit over the old one until the new one becomes stronger.