Habits are the insidious things that rob us of our aliveness

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Habits are not immutable; they can be overridden or altered, providing the individual with the power to reshape their behavior. Often, people mistakenly believe that habits dictate their actions, resigning themselves to automatic behaviors. However, the brain’s planning centers allow for the interruption and modification of these ingrained habits. This underscores the importance of recognizing one's ability to make conscious choices that defy established patterns. The capacity to change suggests that individuals are not simply victims of their habits but can actively engage in redefining their responses and actions.

Double the Episodes, Double the Insights! This week, Kurt and Tim are back at it, diving deeper into the world of habits, rituals, and routines. In this special double episode, they take us on a journey through the fascinating neuroscience of habit formation, unpacking how the basal ganglia in our brains can shape our behaviors—for better or worse (cue ominous music…).

The discussion moves beyond the basics, examining how our habitual actions can both enhance and sometimes limit our ability to fully experience life’s spontaneous pleasures. Kurt and Tim explore the delicate balance between the comfort of routine and the thrill of novelty, offering fresh perspectives on how to be more intentional about the habits we cultivate.

But it’s not all theory—this is Behavioral Grooves, after all! The hosts dish out practical strategies for breaking bad habits, like adding friction to disrupt automatic behaviors and swapping out old routines for new, more desirable ones. They also remind us that the road to healthy habits is paved with patience, self-compassion, and a steady focus on personal growth.

Topics

[0:00] How we form good and bad habits

[5:09] Do habits and routines impact life's novelty?

[11:04] Breaking bad habits and creating new ones

[16:58] Habits, routines, and rituals for personal growth

Links

Habits: Why We do What We Do

James Clear: Habit Tracker

Brain/Shift Journal

Habits vs Routines