
UnF*ck Your Brain: Feminist Self-Help for Everyone
373. Most Habit Change Advice is Wrong - Inconsistency Is the Key to Success
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Embracing inconsistency can foster the development of sustainable habits, allowing individuals to progress without the burden of perfectionism.
- Shifting from a black-and-white mindset to one that values every small effort promotes self-compassion and encourages continuous engagement in habits.
Deep dives
The Myth of Consistent Habit Formation
Many people believe that establishing new habits requires perfect consistency from the start, often focusing on arbitrary timeframes that dictate the necessary duration before a habit becomes automatic. This mindset can lead to a perfectionistic approach where any minor setback causes individuals to abandon their efforts to change behaviors, convincing themselves that they need to start from scratch. For example, someone trying to incorporate exercise into their routine may feel defeated if they miss a workout and consequently decide they've failed and should just wait for a fresh start. Recognizing that this black-and-white thinking contributes to a cycle of guilt and abandonment can help individuals to shift towards a more flexible mindset.