Habit formation may not be effective for complex behaviors and overlooks emotional and psychological factors.
Considering identity and values can provide more meaningful and sustainable motivation for behavior change.
Deep dives
Rethinking the Role of Habits in Health Behaviors
Dr. Michelle Seager challenges the idea that habit formation is the key to creating lasting health behaviors. She argues that relying solely on habits may not be effective, especially for complex behaviors like healthy eating and exercise. Seager suggests that habits are often based on assumptions of rationality, overlooking the emotional and psychological factors that influence our decisions. She emphasizes the importance of considering identity and values in behavior change, as these can provide more meaningful and sustainable motivation. By reframing health behaviors as choices that align with our values and contribute to our desired identity, Seager believes we can create lasting change.
Limitations of Habit Formation Strategies
Habit formation strategies, popularized in books like James Clear's 'Atomic Habits' and Charles Duhigg's 'The Power of Habit,' have been widely embraced as solutions for behavior change. However, Seager argues that the effectiveness of these strategies may be overvalued, particularly for behaviors that are complex and influenced by emotional associations. She highlights the limitations of habit formation techniques in dealing with the variability and unpredictability of real-life situations. Seager suggests that a more nuanced approach is needed, one that acknowledges the influence of emotions, identity, and personal values on behavior change.
The Power of Identity and Values in Behavior Change
Seager emphasizes the significance of identity and values in guiding behavior change. By examining the emotional associations and personal meanings behind health behaviors, individuals can make more informed choices that align with their desired identity. She asserts that focusing on values, such as feeling better, having more energy, and pursuing meaningful goals, can provide a stronger foundation for change than relying solely on habit formation. Seager encourages practitioners and individuals to shift the narrative of behavior change away from following external rules and instead empower individuals to make choices that reflect their personal values and contribute to their overall well-being.
Have we put habit formation on too high a pedestal? Dr. Michelle Segar is an NIH-funded researcher who has spent close to thirty years studying how to create healthy behaviors. that can survive the complexity and unpredictability of the real world. We talk about why healthy behaviors are often particularly resistant to habit formation, and what may work better.
Things to Listen For
02:17 Common misconceptions about habits
06:33 Why complex behaviors defy habit formation
14:40 The unrecognized influence of memory and emotional associations in determining our behavior 20:11 The role of self=control and willpower
22:17 Why building health behaviors around identity and values (rather than habit) is a better strategy. 27:37 The value of questioning assumptions