Supportive Habits

Habits are one of the most important determinants of long-term results. By understanding how habits really work, we have a greater ability to identify patterns that aid us in making new habits stick.

Companies spend millions studying customers' habits in order to tighten this exact habit loop. Every McDonald’s, for example, looks exactly the same so it can serve as a constant cue. And their food is deliberately and repeatedly engineered to deliver immediate rewards.

We usually don't pay attention to the patterns that create our habits. By being aware of them we will be in a better position to challenge habits that don't serve us.

Throughout my journey, I made a lot of attempts to change unhealthy habits. It took me a while to see the big picture, but at some point it hit me: Replacing unhealthy habits with healthy ones is much more effective than just stopping them.