Humans are Creatures of Habit
We have evolved over countless years to like routine, to appreciate predictability and to become ingrained in a certain series of events.
Most of us have a routine that we pretty much follow every single day. We might start our day by waking up, making breakfast, having a shower, getting dressed and then playing with our phones while we sip cup of coffee before running out the door.
You probably have a similar routine in the evening, which might involve making dinner, watching some TV, having a shower and then reading a book in bed. You probably go to bed at roughly the same time every day.
Science Breakdown
This is no coincidence. This comes down to the entire way we are hardwired. The way our brains work and the way our biology operates. Repeating the same actions or thoughts over and over again essentially means that we are repeatedly using the same neuronal pathways and causing the same connections to light up and fire. If you repeat one action followed by another often enough, then often they will become so ingrained as to become automatic and beyond our conscious control.
This is also why severely brain damaged individuals who can’t remember their own name might still be able to play the piano perfectly. Some can do this despite even not knowing that they can play the piano! The simple fact is that the motor neurons are hardwired over years of practice.
Biology
Our biology is based entirely around rhythms and patterns. The sun rises at a certain time and this triggers the release of cortisol and nitric oxide. These neurotransmitters trigger a cascade of activity throughout the brain which makes us
more awake and active. Then we eat and this slows us down slightly again and gets us ready for work.
After 4pm, our lunch settles in and we start to become slower and more sluggish thanks to a dose of melatonin and serotonin. By the time the sun starts to go down, we are producing more melatonin and the build up of adenosine in our brain is making it harder and harder to think.
If you get up at a different time, if the sun rises at a different time, or if you eat a bigger meal, then this can throw that whole routine out of whack and as a result you’ll feel “off”.
Watch my video
In Conclusion to this Science Stuff
The more we repeat the same behavior over and over, the harder it is for us to change that behavior. It is important to remember that behaviors are what shape our lives, to have and achieve exactly what we want.
If the behavior involves smoking, then this will not be good. But if the behavior involves going to the gym, then it’s excellent news. I have been working out for 5 days a week for a decade ever since I’ve had a herniated disc from a car accident. I now find it almost impossible to stop. It’s a part of who I am and it’s no effort for me to go to the gym.
Harnessing the power of habit can be a powerful tool in helping you to get whatever you want from life: whether that’s a better body or a richer bank account.
The question is how you go about forming those habits…Tune in tomorrow as we discuss this!
@bitdollar
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My recent trip to Mexico
I had to adjust my habit to better optimize my time. I was spending too much time browsing posts, semi-curating, rather than being more targeted. Developing more optimized habits is important. @ironshield
Great great add there! I need to organize my habits and time better also. Thanks for the reminder for us all.
100% upvote! it's very true. Our behaviors determine a lot our lives in the present and future. I like the biology aspect of your video :)
Thanks so much brother for the comment and support! Always means a lot!
I've never had some special rituals or very strong habits. I have things I like, I have some I don't, and this is strongly related to the fact how often do things and how comfortable I am with them.
During my life I tend to change things, to be spontaneous at least at some extent.
But for some time already I've understood the power of habit, and this is what I implement in life on purpose.
That is great that you embrace change, it is so important for our growth in life. Especially in an ever changing world. You do get comfortable with things and we can "like" that and never change. Having great healthy habits in place is important to our success in all aspects.
Great share here @aleksandraz! Thank you... :)
Nice post , beautifully presented and explained. Detail oriented with nice pics. thank you for sharing this with us, Upvoted
If you mind checking out my blog for latest posts and updats @kingjan
Thank you!
This is some of the best writing I have seen from you. For the improvement there alone I'm going to include you in the next issue of The Daily Whistle Stops. (It may not come out until day after tomorrow. Just FYI.) There are still some tweaks and things that could make your writing better and your presentation stronger. Tag me in Discord and let's get together to talk. I'm impressed with how far you've come!!
Thank you so much! It means a lot and is greatly appreciated. I just messaged you in Discord so I look forward to continuing our conversation! Have a great day!
As a big believer of repetition breeds perfection, I can totally relate to this entire article. Particularly interesting is the way our neuronal pathways work to encourage habits. Great article!
Repetition is king! I think everything is like a muscle. Thanks @tbp-hou!
This is so true. A good habit works in the same way as a bad habit. That makes them a powerful tool for us.
A great post, thank you!
Thanks so much @flashfiction!
Very brilliant post @bitdollar.
You couldn't have said it any better. Positive habits enrich us both in health and our finances. Negative habits on the other hand does us in, at every slightest opportunity. Thanks for sharing this.
I totally agree @rickie! Thank you!
Some people say that creativity is the spice of life.
I say that creativity stifles my routine.
Love that!
So true it's the things we do all the time and reputation that shapes us
Oh ya!! :) Thanks @laliland!