In this episode I’m continuing my critique on Atomic Habits and habit-hacking in general. We’ve already talked about some of my issues regarding the way we usually go about building habits, so let’s get a bit more specific here. What is a habit, actually? How do we integrate habits into our routines? What are simple tactics that will help us achieve our goals?

Here’s what I discuss in this episode:

• Many of these habit-hacking formulas don’t even define habits right; they conflate habits with routines.
• It’s unrealistic to expect a conscious act, like vigorous exercise, to become an unconscious habit.
• Because we can’t expect it to be easy, we have to enjoy the process in order to build the routine.
• It has to become the opposite of unconscious; it has to be intentional and mindful.
• First, I figure out how much time I want to devote to a routine per week, and then I schedule it in.
• Second, I declare a WHY: it keeps me going when I don’t feel like doing the thing.
• Lastly, I approach the act consciously, checking in on myself and noticing how my energy feels. 
• If you genuinely don’t like doing something, stop doing it. Return to your why.

 

Resources from this episode:

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