Have you ever imagined the power that customs have on our journey?
The effects of habits multiply the more we repeat them. If we look at them in isolation and for a short period of time, we probably won’t realize how much of a positive or negative impact they have over time.
We tend to ignore small changes because they don’t bring us immediate results. The mind must be trained to adapt to new things, which is not an easy task because our brain is in its comfort zone and abandoning this comfort is extremely tiring.
Loretta Breuning in her book “Habits of a Happy Brain” states that “life seems good to us when it exceeds our expectations, and bad when our expectations are not met.” This is the result of habits that we unconsciously nourish because they are already rooted in our routine.
Imagine you want to start a diet to get healthier. However, when you feel frustrated with a situation, your impulse is to “hit the fridge” as a way to control all your anxiety. In these moments, your body asks for a quick fix to relieve the situation and then returns to the old habit to provide this momentary satisfaction and relief.
In the book “Atomic Habits”, by James Clear, he talks about the importance of choices. Choosing an option that is 1% better or worse may seem insignificant in the moment, but over the course of life these choices determine who you are and who you could be. Success is the result of daily habits and not one-off transformations.
Insights to change habits based on psychoanalysis
1. Don’t wait until you have the desire to change your habit
Customs are convenient. So, you probably won’t have the slightest desire to change, even though it’s sabotaging you. Therefore, gradually include new habits. For example: you want to know more about a certain topic, but you are used to watching series until late every day. Gradually reduce the time you spend in front of the TV and increase the time spent studying.
2. Habits are reinforced through rewards or punishments
Let’s use the previous example to put it into context: Make your study environment more pleasant so that it becomes increasingly interesting to acquire new knowledge.
Vary your learning formats, take short breaks to avoid procrastination (Pomodoro technique) and your brain will accept this new routine.
3. Be determined
It may be that, one day, you will give in to the temptation to rewatch the series until late and you won’t feel like studying. But if you’re looking to make a significant change in your life, you need to know what you really want and that includes committing to doing something different, despite the old habit “pulling you back.” It’s not easy, but it’s entirely possible.
She is a headhunter, HR consultant, career mentor, university professor and LinkedIn Top Voices.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
