Life Examined cover image

Life Examined

A guide to self discipline and the science behind habits, good and bad

Aug 25, 2023
Ryan Holiday and Katy Milkman discuss the history and power of self-discipline, exploring its significance in stoic philosophy and effective leadership. They highlight the importance of having a clear purpose and provide practical tips for staying disciplined in daily life. They also delve into the science of habits, discussing how they are formed and strategies for changing them.
53:29

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Habits are formed through repetition and rewards, leading to automatic engagement in the behavior.
  • Consistent context cues and rewards are crucial for forming good habits.

Deep dives

Forming Habits through Repeat Reward Cycles

Habits are behaviors that are repeated without much effort. When a behavior is repeated and rewarded, it becomes automatic and ingrained. The science suggests that there is a habit loop, where behaviors are reinforced through rewards, leading to automatic and effortless engagement in the behavior. Bad habits can form without intention, but deliberate efforts and frictions can help break them. Commitment devices, such as setting stakes or putting money on the line, can also aid in breaking bad habits.

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