The Psychology of your 20s 354. How to break a toxic habit
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Nov 16, 2025 Explore the fascinating psychology behind toxic habits and why they’re hard to break. Learn how habits are wired through repetition and the emotional comfort they provide. Discover why some people are more susceptible to these habits and the impact of early coping strategies. Uncover common misconceptions like relying solely on willpower and the importance of self-compassion. Gain practical tools for positive change, like micro-movements and visualization techniques, emphasizing that change is a journey filled with setbacks.
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Three Cs Define Toxic Habits
- A habit becomes toxic when it is automatic, hard to control, and causes real costs in life.
- Gemma Sbeg calls these the three C's: compulsion, control, and consequences.
Intention-Behavior Gap Explained
- Intentions predict only about 30–40% of actual behavior, creating an intention-behavior gap.
- Gemma explains emotionally loaded habits widen that gap because they regulate feelings, not goals.
Neuroplasticity Builds Habit Highways
- Neuroplasticity strengthens habit circuits via repetition and reward, building 'mental highways.'
- Gemma highlights that repeated soothing behaviors fortify neural connections, making change harder.
