Change Academy

Escaping the pleasure trap: How to break highly rewarding habits


Listen Later

Struggling with hard-to-quit habits? Whether it's the nightly glass of wine, mindless snacking, or endless social media scrolling, in this episode we're talking about why these habits are so sticky - and more importantly, how to finally change them. 

You'll learn how your brain's reward system actually works (it's not what most people think!) and practical strategies for making lasting changes without giving up pleasure altogether. 

You'll learn specific techniques for navigating cravings, resetting your reward system, and creating new habits that satisfy your brain's needs in more constructive ways. If you're tired of feeling stuck in cycles of pleasure-seeking behaviors, this episode offers a fresh perspective and actionable solutions for lasting change.

Key Takeaways

1. Some habits are simply routines, but some habitual behaviors engage the brain’s reward centers, which makes them harder to break.
2. Dopamine doesn't make us feel good. It motivates us to pursue certain anticipated rewards. 
3. The reward we get from unwholesome habits often gets less potent over time. Recognizing this can be a powerful step toward breaking the cycle.
4. Instead of exhausting your willpower trying to resist these habits, focus on pursuing something else that provides a similar neurochemical reward but without the negative consequences.
5. Changing the context in which a habit occurs can help weaken its hold. The more cues you disrupt, the easier it will be to weaken automatic responses and create new habits

Mentioned

Ep #156: Why we resist positive change

Ep #157: What to do with negative thoughts

Get email notifications when new episodes publish


Interested in having Monica present at your next live or virtual event?  Learn more.

★ Support this podcast ★
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Change AcademyBy Monica Reinagel

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

137 ratings


More shows like Change Academy

View all
Freakonomics Radio by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

Freakonomics Radio

32,105 Listeners

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! by NPR

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

38,751 Listeners

Pop Culture Happy Hour by NPR

Pop Culture Happy Hour

11,564 Listeners

Money Girl by QuickAndDirtyTips.com

Money Girl

1,857 Listeners

Nutrition Diva by QuickAndDirtyTips.com, Monica Reinagel

Nutrition Diva

1,720 Listeners

Up First from NPR by NPR

Up First from NPR

56,739 Listeners

Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

Huberman Lab

29,256 Listeners

The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon

The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show

1,190 Listeners

Church History Matters by Scripture Central

Church History Matters

2,103 Listeners